Doctoral Programs in the History of Science

Although it is sometimes disparaged as a boring or not very useful field within the academy, History is in fact a dynamic and interesting discipline that allows students the opportunity to focus on numerous different areas, one of the most dynamic and cutting-edge of which is the history of Science and Technology. The following schools offer strong programs in this particular area within History, with strong curricula and financial aid.

Princeton University

The doctoral program in the History of Science at Princeton University recognizes that this particular aspect of the discipline requires special training that is typically not offered to students in general history. Therefore, students in this program gain training in both general history and in the particular techniques used in this discipline. Students are also required to minor in another field other than the History of Science. Most students admitted to the program are provided with up to five years of financial support. Their contact information is below:

Program in History of Science

Princeton University

108 Dickinson Hall

Princeton NJ 08544

Phone: 609-258-6705

www.princeton.edu/hos/graduate/program/

Indiana University

Housed in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, the doctoral program at Indiana University allow students to focus their studies and interests in a number of areas, including scientific theory and practice, the history of science in various countries and time periods, as well as a number of philosophical issues. The program also enables students to engage in interdisciplinary work throughout Indiana University. Although the department has limited funds, a number of funding opportunities are available to students, including fellowships and teaching assistantships. Their contact information is below:

Department of History and Philosophy of Science

Indiana University

1011 East Third Street

Goodbody Hall 130

Bloomington, IN 47405

812-855-3622

www.indiana.edu/~hpscdept/GGS.shtml

University of Pennsylvania

Housed in the Department of History and Sociology of Science, the doctoral program at the University of Pennsylvania provides students with a variety of resources to pursue interdisciplinary studies. The department typically admits students who have interests that intersect with the faculty's core strengths (which include the history of the sciences, medicine, technology, social sciences in Europe and the United States from the 17th Century on, and several others.) Their contact information is below:

Department of History and Sociology of Science

University of Pennsylvania

Suite 303 Claudia Cohen Hall

249 South 36th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

215-898-8400

hss.sas.upenn.edu/mt-static/hssc/

University of Oklahoma

The doctoral program in the History of Science at the University of Oklahoma provides students with both a knowledge of scientific inquiry and the ability to conduct contextualized research. The department has a number of areas of focus, including Medieval and Early Modern Science, Science and Religion, New Media in the History of Science, and History of Science in America. The department makes every effort to fund entering students, usually with teaching assistantships that usually carry a tuition remission and a stipend. Their contact information is below:

www.ou.edu/cas/hsci/hsci/Graduate_program.html

Clearly, the History of Science, though sometimes overlooked, is a dynamic and emerging field of knowledge, and the above schools provide excellent preparation for a variety of career opportunities.