European History, Politics and Society

Program Category: MA Programs
Website: European History, Politics, and Society
Email Address: [email protected] 
Program Director: Adam Tooze
Faculty Advisor: Tsveta Petrova 
Degree Programs: Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing MA

To view this program's application requirements, please click here.

The MA in European History, Politics and Society combines interdisciplinary course work on modern and contemporary Europe with expert training in writing, research, and presentation. Students pursue individualized programs within the frame of Europe as a whole and its relations with other world regions. Founded in 1992, the program is supported by a renowned faculty and Columbia's extensive resources for the study of European history, politics, economics, culture, and society. The program is ideal for students who want to combine advanced work in the humanities or social sciences with deep knowledge of Europe and its place in the world. Graduates of European History, Politics and Society go on to careers in government, business, journalism, and the non-profit sector as well as doctoral and professional programs at North American and European universities.

Special Admissions Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit one transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.

The statement of academic purpose allows the university to evaluate your ability to succeed academically and the reasons you wish to undertake the degree. It should be one to two pages long and should describe briefly your academic and/or professional background (relevant coursework, professional experience, or other activity pertaining to your academic interests); indicate your plans for graduate study at Columbia; and explain clearly the relation of your studies to your plans after completing the MA.

The writing sample should be ten to fifteen pages long, preferably a paper that you have written for a course pertaining to the general field of modern European studies. Alternatively, you may provide a focused essay written in an academic style that examines an article, book, exhibit, or event relevant to your field of interest.

Three references are required for all applicants to the MA program in European History, Politics and Society; at least two letters must come from academic sources. If you have not been enrolled in an academic program in recent years, your third letter may be submitted by a professional reference.

All applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit English proficiency exam scores. The English proficiency requirement can be fulfilled through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

*To be eligible for admission in GSAS, at least TWO letters must be submitted by academic recommenders. You may include up to four letters in your application, regardless of the number required by your program of interest.

Additional Deadline Information

Applicants who wish to be considered for funding are strongly encouraged to apply by the early deadline date, January 30, 2025. 

Applications will be considered until May 1, 2025, on a space-available basis.