This program trains students to think beyond national and regional boundaries, drawing on transnational methods and questions to produce original, empirically grounded research. Our curriculum includes a two-year sequence of reading and research seminars, interdisciplinary electives, and intensive foreign language training. At the heart of the program is the two-year dissertation - an original work of scholarship on a topic of the student's choosing.
The program is organized around a two-year sequence of core courses, which culminates in a master's dissertation. In addition, students choose from a rich offering of electives according to individual research interests.
Discover the courses currently offered at Columbia for your first year of studies.
Learn more about LSE courses offerings and timetables.
Language training is a critical component of the program, preparing students for multi-archival research.
Explore our faculty, students, and past dissertations sorted by period, region, and theme.