FAQ

Who should apply to the Hagley Program in the History of Capitalism, Technology, and Culture?

Hagley Scholars come to the University of Delaware with a variety of interests and backgrounds. They share a common desire to engage in a wide-ranging conversation about the history of technology, business, and consumerism, and material culture in everyday life. Some plan to go on to careers in university teaching while others are interested in public history or museum work. Most, but not all, have a B.A. or an M.A. in history when they are admitted to the history department. Special preparation in a technical field is not a requirement for admission.

How does the admissions process work?

Anyone interested in applying to the Hagley Program in the History of Capitalism, Technology, and Culture should complete an online application for the UD History Graduate Program. On the top of the personal statement, please indicate clearly that you wish to be considered for the Hagley Program. Top candidates will be brought to the University at the Program’s expense for an interview weekend in mid-March. Candidates who are not selected as Hagley Scholars may still be considered for the general History Graduate Program. January 15 is the deadline for submitting applications. Please see the History Department Admissions: Policies and Procedures page for complete information.

What are the Program Requirements?

All Hagley Scholars are required to complete 30 credits (ten classes). Some of these classes must be selected to fulfill History Department requirements. All Hagley Scholars choose their own curriculum, but they all take a course in the history of capitalism (offered every two years) and one other designated course reflecting student and faculty interests which rotates annually. (In recent years, this course has included: the historiography of technology, the history of consumption, readings in cultural history, etc.) Ph.D. students take a written comprehensive examination and write a dissertation. A thesis is optional for M.A. students. About half of all Hagley students also choose to complete a museum studies certificate.  For more details, see the Guidelines to the Graduate Program in History.

What forms of financial support are available to Hagley Scholars?

Most Hagley Scholars receive a stipend and tuition remission, the M.A. students for two years, the Ph.D. students for five years. In exchange, those Scholars work as teaching assistants (or the equivalent) during most of the semesters in which they are funded. All Hagley Scholars, regardless of whether they are funded, also receive an allowance of $600 a year for travel and research expenses. The Program and the History Department also have additional funds which can be used to support internships and Ph.D. research.

What kinds of jobs do Hagley Scholars get after finishing their degrees?

Alumni of the Hagley Program in the History of Capitalism, Technology, and Culture occupy faculty positions at a number of colleges and universities including Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Georgia Tech, and Auburn University. They can also be found on the staffs and in leadership positions of many museums and historical sites including the National Museum of American History, Lowell National Park, and the National Constitution Center.

For more details see our Alumni page.