The graduate program in History at West Virginia University has a long, distinguished history. With the arrival of Dr. James Morton Callahan on campus in September 1902, the efforts to develop the History curriculum accelerated. Callahan’s training at Johns Hopkins University under Herbert Baxter Adams, his accomplishments in diplomatic history, his eye for professional talent, and his administrative skill immediately benefited the department. The program began a period of growth which reached an important level when Festus P. Summers, who later became chair of the department, was awarded its first Ph.D. in History in 1933.
Under Callahan, the department emphasized diplomatic history and West Virginia/Appalachian regional history. Callahan’s many publications on international relations quickly established the reputation of the department in this area. Charles H. Ambler, who was recruited by Callahan and later became chair of the department, launched an aggressive campaign to strengthen the library, particularly in West Virginia materials. Today, the West Virginia and Regional History Collection is one of the strongest of its kind, housing primary source materials for political, economic, social, cultural, and technological history of the state and region.
West Virginia/Appalachian regional history is still a major strength of the department. Over time new areas of concentration have been added. Today, the department offers graduate work in several fields in U.S. History, including West Virginia/Appalachian regional history, Europe, Africa, Latin America, world history and in public history. In addition to the fields in these areas, the department encourages research that is comparative and transnational in perspective.
Courses are designed to prepare students in historiography, research methods, and interpretation. Students can select concentrations leading to preparation for careers in teaching and scholarship and as specialists for various branches of government, business, and public service. Students in the program are normally expected to pursue the degrees of master of arts or doctor of philosophy.
Department Administration
- Dr. Kate Kelsey Staples, Chair
- Dr. Matt Vester, Associate Chair
- Dr. Jason Phillips, Director of Graduate Studies
- Dr. Hal Gorby, Director of Undergraduate Advising
- Dr. Melissa Bingmann, Director of Public History
- Sydney Pringle, Administrative Assistant
General Information
Department Offices: Department offices are located in Chitwood Hall. The department phone number is (304) 293-2421.
Department’s Administrative Assistant: All inquiries regarding travel should be directed to Sydney Pringle, Administrative Assistant in Room 205, phone: (304) 293-2421.
Mailboxes: All graduate students are provided with a department mailbox in 213 Chitwood Hall
First Fridays: The Department hosts a social event for all graduate students, which is usually held on the first Friday of each month during the academic school year. This is normally organized by HGSA. Announcements will be posted on HIS-GRAD.
Graduate Seminar/Orientation to the Profession: All Full-Time M.A. Students, and Full-Time Ph.D. students who have not yet taken their comprehensive examinations are strongly encouraged to take HIST 796 Graduate Seminar/Orientation to the Profession. For more information on this class please see below under “Program Requirements”.
Plan of Study: All graduate students are required to file a plan of study by the end of their second semester of study. For more information on the plan of study please see below under “Program Requirements.”
Computer Access: All graduate students have access to computers in G17 Chitwood Hall, which is a student resource center.
Listservs: All graduate students are on the HIS-ALL and HIS-GRAD listservs. HIS-ALL includes all graduate students and faculty while HIS-GRAD is focused on graduate student communication. These are e-mail information systems used for the disbursement of department information. Many department memos and reminders are sent via this system and because of this the listserv is a vital form of communication.
Address/Phone: Please be sure to give the Administrative Secretary your current local address and phone number.