The admissions cycle for Early Modern Studies takes place immediately following the regular GSAS admissions process in spring. Any student admitted to one of our affiliate departments may apply to the combined program. Applications will consist of materials drawn from the student’s existing PhD application and a brief additional statement of purpose. Offers of admission to the combined program will be made at the end of the spring term and have no bearing on students’ acceptance to their home departments.

Students in the combined program take courses in their home departments and, if desired, early modern electives offered in our affiliate departments. Extra funding is available for pre-dissertation research during the summer of this first year. See further details under Funding.

Students in the combined program enroll in EMST 7000 during the fall semester and EMST 8000 during the spring semester. Extra funding is available for pre-dissertation research during the summer of this second year as well. See further details under Funding. Students who will complete their qualifying exams in the third year should consult with both the DGS in Early Modern Studies and in their home department prior to the end of the spring term. Students should consult with their home departments about the completion of language requirements.

Students enroll in EMST 8001 during the fall semester and EMST 9000 during the spring semester, a dedicated seminar that culminates in the annual Early Modern Studies Symposium. The timeline for oral exams and for the prospectus will follow the guidelines of the home department. As students form their dissertation committees, they should consult with both the DGS in Early Modern Studies and the DGS in their home department. The DGS in Early Modern Studies should also be included in the scheduling of oral exams.

Following the third year, students may be on campus or abroad for dissertation research. The DGS will help as feasible in matching students on campus with teaching fellowships or professional development opportunities in early modern studies, but teaching appointments ultimately go through the student’s home department. 

Special funding for both domestic and international conference participation is available annually for students in the program, whether they are on or off campus. See further details under Funding.