May 29-30, 2003

 

ITEM 119-1010-R0503��������������� Approval of Proposal to Reinstitute the PhD degree in History; The University of Montana-Missoula

 

THAT:�������������������������������������� The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana-Missoula to re-institute the PhD degree in History.� The proposed program would include approximately 60 graduate credits (15 beyond the MA), competence in at least one foreign language, comprehensive examinations and completion of a dissertation.

 

EXPLANATION:����������������������� The University of Montana � Missoula placed its PhD degree in History in moratorium during the mid-1980s.� Reasons included a declining faculty base, reduced institutional support, and a lack of outside funding and support.� The UM History Department has stabilized at fifteen full-time members, plus seven outside specialists or visiting professors.� Independent Foundation accounts support History.� The department has the Hammond and Boone endowments.� In addition, the Moser-McKinney Scholarship provides generous support for two outstanding graduate students.� The department also has private support from the Cappadocia and Gene Tidball scholarships.� The University has committed to enhancing its graduate profile.� The Department now has the staff, willingness, and wherewithal to re-establish its PhD program.

 

The completed signature page resides on file at the President�s Office, The University of Montana � Missoula.