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History Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On October 5, 2023

Introduction

Choosing the most appropriate topic for a history dissertation can be tricky. Before selecting a topic, it is imperative to have an in-depth knowledge of the historical events or phenomena you wish to evaluate. Complete comprehension of a topic area is necessary before you can go about the task of completing your dissertation.

To help you get started with brainstorming for history topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your history dissertation.

PhD qualified writers of our team have developed these topics, so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for 2022 here.

2022 History Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: who was responsible for european civil wars an exploratory study identifying the determinants of the 1870 franco-prussian war.

Research Aim: This research aims to determine various political, social, and economic factors which caused European civil wars. It will use the 1870 Franco-Prussian War as a case study to analyse which political, social, or economic forces played their part in exaggerating this war. Moreover, it will use various historical lenses to evaluate the available evidence in this area to determine the factors objectively. Lastly, it will recommend ways through a historical viewpoint that could’ve saved lives in these wars.

Topic 2: What were the Socio-Economic Discontents of the Second Industrial Revolution? A Marx-Engels Perspective

Research Aim: This study identifies various socio-economic discontents of the second industrial revolution through the Marx-Engels communist lens. It will analyse how the second industrial revolution brought undesirable socio-economic changes in Europe and the rest of the world. It will develop a socio-economic framework by using Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’s critique of capitalism and social class theory to show the second industrial revolution divided the entire world into two classes. Moreover, it will show how imperialist powers used the second industrial revolution to change the world order.

Topic 3: Did Mongols Bring Social Change in Ancient Arab? Impact of Mongols Invasion on Ancient Arab Culture and Traditions

Research Aim: This research intends to analyse the social change brought by Mongols in ancient Arab. It will find the impact of the Mongols’ invasion on ancient Arab culture and traditions by identifying channels such as slavery, forced marriages, etc., through which Mongols brought a cultural change. Moreover, it will find whether Arabs could come back to their original state or modern Arabs have their traits? And through which ways did ancient Arabs resist those changes?

Topic 4: What is Common among the United States’ Iraq, Japan, Afghanistan, and Cuba Invasions? A Comparative Study Finding the United States Common Political and Economic Motives

Research Aim: This study compares the United States’ Iraq, Japan, Korea, Afghanistan, and Cuba invasions. It will identify the United States’ common political and economic motives among these invasions, which gave it an incentive to pursue. It will be a multidisciplinary study exploring geopolitical, geo-economic, geo-strategic, and historical aspects of the invasions. Moreover, it will also compare the post-invasion situation of these countries to show how these countries dealt with it and how can which didn’t recover from invasion can improve.

Topic 5: The Life and Work of William Shakespeare: His Influence on The Modern Theater- A Critique of Dr. Johnson

Research Aim: This study sheds light on the life and work of William Shakespeare by analysing his role in modern theater. It will try to highlight his contribution in the field of literature and theater but through the approach of Dr. Johnson. Johnson’s works will be evaluated to see whether William Shakespeare has done something significant for modern theater or it is just a one-sided view of William Shakespeare’s followers. It will analyse various works of William Shakespeare from Johnson’s critical lens to provide an objective assessment.

Covid-19 History Research Topics

Topic 1: the history of coronavirus..

Research Aim: This study will explore the historical facts and theories related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Topic 3: History of Spanish flu

Research Aim: In 1918, a deadly pandemic called Spanish flu hit the world, and many people lost their lives. This study will highlight the history of the disease, symptoms, and similarities with the present crisis of COVID-19.

Topic 3: The history of various types of pandemics and their consequences

Research Aim: This study will investigate the history of various types of pandemics and their consequences on people’s health, economy, and the world’s transformation after it.

History Research Topics 2021

Topic 1: types of communications in history.

Research Aim: This research aims to identify the types of communications in history

Topic 2: Terrorism and its impact on people's life

Research Aim: This research aims to address terrorism’s impact on people’s life

Topic 3: Treaty of Lausanne and the world's predictions about Turkey in 2023

Research Aim: This research aims to conduct a study on the Treaty of Lausanne and the world’s predictions about Turkey in 2023

Topic 4: Mythological stories and their impact on the youth

Research Aim: This research aims to study the impact of mythological stories on the youth.

Dissertation Topics from the Nineteenth Century

Topic 1: analysis of church wealth expropriation and political conflict in 19th century colombia..

Research Aim: The research will explore the events of political violence after independence in Colombia regarding the redefinition of the Catholic Church’s property rights. The study primarily focuses on the country after 1850 to measure the influence of that expropriation of the Church’s assets on political violence.

Topic 2: Exploring the impact of 19th-century development of refrigeration on The American meatpacking industry.

Research Aim: The city of Chicago in the United States is known to be the center of modern refrigeration development due to it being the hub of the meatpacking industry. The proposed research will analyse Chicago’s meatpacking sector’s development and its significant role in developing critical technologies such as refrigeration. The study will examine the development of refrigerated transport and cold storage units to comprehend the city’s meatpacking industry’s local and later global success throughout the 19th century.

Topic 3: Examining the impact of the telegraph in the United States of America

Research Aim: The research uses document analysis to examine the influence of the invention of the telegraph in the United States of America. Specifically, the study will analyse how the telegraph revolutionized communication and news broadcasting to newspapers over national and international networks.

Topic 4: The impact of industrial conflict and technology on the development of technical education in 19th-century England.

Research Aim: The research will analyze the role that 19th-century employers played in training and educating the young industrial workers in England. The purpose of the study is to comprehend the various factors that influenced the development of technical education while discovering the reason for antagonistic relations with skilled workers, which may have caused the Great Strike and Lockout of 1897.

Topic 5: The impact of changing gender relations on childbearing populations in the 19th-century Netherlands.

Research Aim: The research will look to comprehend the changes in childbearing patterns using a sequence analysis approach. The study will also try to understand the association between gender relations, historical fertility records, and women’s reproductive patterns in the 19th century Netherlands.

Topic 6: Examining the shift of hierarchical and ethnocentric foreign relations to the western model of international relations in 19th-century Japan.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the 19th century, a period of transition in Japanese foreign policy. The study will mainly focus on the Russo-Japanese relations using document analysis to assess the four stages of shift that led Japan from an ethnocentric foreign policymaker to the Western-type without colonization and defeat in war.

History and Religious Dissertations

Topic 1: the impact of popular culture on evangelical christians in america..

Research Aim: The research uses document analysis to examine the impact that popular culture has had in shaping Evangelical Christian thought in the United States from the 1960s to the 2000s. The study focuses on analysing the variables that have allowed Evangelicalism to becoming a middle-class populist movement.

Topic 2: Fertility, feminism, and the American revolution

Research Aim: The research using document analysis, analyses the impact of the American Revolution on declining birth rates in the colonies and the increase of family limitation among white free women. The research will investigate the intentions of founding American women on their rejection of abundant fertility and a patriarchal family and the existent or non-existent role that colonial Christians played.

Topic 3: The decline of irrational and magical ideologies in England 1500-1600.

Research Aim: The research analyses how the introduction of religion, specifically early Christianity, had an impact on declining the conventional thought processes that used irrationality or magic as their basis. The research will use document analysis as its research method.

Topic 4: The impact of religion on innovation, 1604.

Research Aim: The research examines how Sir Frances Bacon’s epistle “Of Innovations” argues for the positive potential of innovation from the understanding of the Biblical scriptures. The study will also explore the relationship between Bacon and the English Protestant Church.

Topic 5: The role of churches and religion in World War II.

Research Aim: The research looks to examine the role of churches in Europe during WWII. The study will also analyse their religious ideologies and their deeds as institutions to impact the perceptions of World War II. The research will be conducted using document analysis.

History and Sociology Dissertations

Topic 1: race, poverty, and food deserts in cardiff, 1980-2016..

Research Aim: The research examines the demographic and spatial patterns that have shaped access to supermarkets in low-income neighbourhoods in Cardiff from 1980 to 2016. The research methods used will be quantitative.

Topic 2: Impact of World War II rationing on British cuisine

Research Aim: The research analyses the impact of rationing items by the British Ministry of Food on the specific culture from the 1940s to the 1980s. The research uses variables of socio-economic classes and geographic locations of the country to examine the cultural impacts it had on the British palate during the time. The research methods will include quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Topic 3: Impact of religious doctrines and ideologies on racism and racist factions in the USA.

Research Aim: The research analyses the relationship between different Christian sects and racial prejudice among groups of Christians based on geographic location (North or South) in the United States after the 2016 presidential elections. The research will be quantitative in nature but will incorporate qualitative techniques of historical document analysis to examine how racism in the country has changed since the Civil Rights Era of the United States.

Topic 4: The historical development and impact of public transportation in Shanghai, China, 1843-1937.

Research Aim: The research will analyze the impact of public transportation on the development of Shanghai’s urban landscape using the variables of tradition vs modernity, state and social relationships, and technology and society relations. The research will provide a historical analysis of the city from the British and the Opium Wars’ colonization to the 20th century. The study will use qualitative document analysis and quantitative techniques as research methods.

Topic 5: The impact of water resource management, technological solutions, and urban growth after World War II on Atlanta, Georgia.

Research Aim: The purpose of the dissertation is to examine the origins of water-related issues in Atlanta by discovering the challenges that public officials, activists, and engineers faced in the area in terms of planning and enacting an effective environmental policy after World War II in the metropolitan area of Atlanta. The research will use historical document analysis as its methodology.

How Can Research Prospect Help?

Research Prospect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Historical People and Events Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: examining the events and people giving rise to winston churchill.

Research Aim: The research examines the network of friends and colleagues of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill on how they influenced the primer’s reputation after his retirement and death. The study will analyze the history of the Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge, and the influence that Sir John Colville had on shaping Churchill’s image.

Topic 2: The rise of the right-wing woman in 20th-century Britain- Analysing Margaret Thatcher and Mary Whitehouse

Research Aim: The relationship between conservative powerhouses Margaret Thatcher and Mary Whitehouse was well known to the public for its traditional undertones. The research will examine the relationship between the two women using document analysis, particularly the public presentation relationship, to better understand the importance of conservative women in Britain. The research will analyze the twentieth-century political and cultural contexts that gave rise to these two women.

Topic 3: Examining the cooperative transformational leadership of Nelson Mandela and F. W. de Klerk.

Research Aim: The research will study the transfer of power in South Africa by focusing on the cooperative leadership strategies, policies, and personal characteristics of leaders such as Nelson Mandela and F. W. de Klerk. The research will examine how these two leaders could bring systematic revolution through democratic and peaceful means.

Topic 4: Pablo Picasso- The making of “Guernica” and its historical context.

Research Aim: The research will analyze the history of paintings of people suffering from convulsion of war, explicitly focusing on Goya. The paper will examine the factors and influences on Pablo Picasso that lead to the development of “Guernica.” The research will analyze how Picasso depicted real history snatches with symbolism that resonated with people.

Topic 5: Analysing the role of women in the Crusade Movement.

Research Aim: The research examines women’s contribution to the Crusades and its impact on propaganda, recruitment, organization of the crusades, and financing of the campaigns. The study will also survey their roles in looking after families and properties while also giving liturgical support at home for those on the crusade campaigns.

Topic 6: The impact of the Harlem Renaissance on urban landscaping, Jazz music, and literature.

Research Aim: The research will examine the Great Migration of the 1910s in the United States, where a concentration of African American population moved North causing demographic shifts. The study will analyse Toni Morrison’s Jazz, Persia Walker’s Black Orchid Blues, and other works regarding music and urbanization.

Topic 23: John F. Kennedy- Rise of American foreign power and South Vietnam.

Research Aim: The research will analyze John F. Kennedy’s foreign policy strategies’ central themes. The paper examines the themes of counterinsurgency, credibility, and commitment in South Asia, particularly South Vietnam, to improve his credibility after the Bay of Pigs incident. The paper will observe the president’s fascination regarding psychological warfare, military forces, and countering ‘communism’ aggression in Southeast Asia.

Italian Unification History Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the preservation of italy- analysing the fragility of italian unity 1866-68..

Research Aim: The research analyses the impact of the Austro-Prussian War at its conclusion in July 1866. The paper analyses factors such as the fall of the Liberal government in Britain that impacted the fragility of the Italian Unification. The paper examines the historical event through the bilateral relationship between a newly rising Italy and Britain.

Topic 2: Analysing the Italian post-unification period- Racial and colonial factors influencing modern Italians.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the rise of Italian fascism with the premise that it rose from the failures of previous liberal governments. The study particularly examines the first Liberal period after unification which led to the explosion of civil war in the South of Italy. The study will analyse the racial and colonial factors that influenced the competition with Western European nations for imperialistic endeavours.

Topic 3: Prison system management in 19th-century Italian prisons after unification.

Research Aim: The research analyses accounting practices in prisons using documentation analysis of the prison management system of major Italian States in the early 19th century. The study aims to use various accounting methods to uncover the potentially socially damaging tools of accounting in prison reforms to discipline individuals of lesser status.

Topic 4: The impact of the mafia on Italian education after unification.

Research Aim: The research will use historical point data to analyse the impact the Mafia had on the level of education between 1874 to 1913. The particular geographic constraint of the study will be restricted to Sicily, Italy, after the unification of the Italian Kingdom in 1861.

German Unification History Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: examining the parties and problems of governance in the german empire..

Research Aim: The research will examine using document analysis the various processes for political restructuring that caused the founding of many political parties, interest groups, and civic associations. The research analyses how the Federal Republic strategized to transfer German Democratic Republic citizens’ sovereign rights to international institutions and the Federal Republic institutions.

Topic 2: Analysing the collapse of the GDR and the re-unification of Germany.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the factors and influences surrounding the collapse of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1898 to 1990 and the reunifications of East and West Germany. The research will also analyse the role of businesses with regards to the collapse, particularly the German business elites and their relationship with the Soviet Union.

Topic 3: Analysing the impact of Bismarck on the capitulation of German liberalism.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the impact the German National Liberal party of 1866 to 1867 had to support Otto von Bismarck’s policy of German unification. The study will examine the political stakes involved and the philosophy of Realpolitik on the Unification of the German Empire.

Topic 4: The impact of radical nationalism and political change after Bismarck.

Research Aim: The research will examine the factors that gave rise to the radicalization of the German right under the politics of Otto von Bismarck. The study looks to find evidence of German fascism prior to World War II. To conduct the research, a thorough document analysis will be done with an extensive literature review.

World War I Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the response of german immigrants to discrimination in the usa during world war i.

Research Aim: The research will examine the impact of caste-based discrimination on assimilation patterns of immigrant minorities, specifically German immigrants in the United States during WWI. The study will understand if discriminated minority groups increase their assimilation efforts to avoid discrimination and public harassment. The research will use naming patterns of children and records of petitions of naturalisations to conduct the study empirically.

Topic 2: Analysing the impact of affective experience and popular emotion on WWI International Relations.

Research Aim: The research will examine the factors of communal emotion and mass emotion during the outbreak of WWI to demonstrate the political significance of widespread sentiment. The research looks to study the factors with regard to contemporary populism.

Topic 3: The impact of military service in WWI on the economic status of American Veterans?

Research Aim: The research will analyse the different registration regimes during the WWI draft to find their impact on economic outcomes. The research will use empirical from 1900 to 1930 United States to study short term impact of military service while the United States census of 1960 is used to determine the long term impacts. The data collected will be of household income and draft population of the time in WW1.

Topic 4: Examining the Impact of Quarrying Companies Royal Engineers in WWI to support British armies on the Western Front.

Research Aim: The research will examine the history of the Quarrying Companies unit within the Royal Engineers in WWI. The study will analyse the impact that the group had on British armies on the Western Front, particularly for the aid of the British Expeditionary Forces until its disbandment in 1919.

The Great Depression (Britain 1918-1939) Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the impact of the great depression on labour productivity..

Research Aim: The research will examine the labour productivity of the UK manufacturing industry during the Great Depression. The research will be of empirical methodology and collect data of actual hours of work, real output, and employment statistics. The study will prove that during the Great Depression, output per work-hour was counter-cyclical between 1929 and 1932.

Topic 2: Analysing the discourse of British newspapers during the Great Depression.

Research Aim: The research will use document analysis and text analysis to examine the rhetoric of British newspapers when unemployment rises. The study will accurately analyse the Great Depression in Britain by determining how the stigmatisation of poverty changes in the rhetoric of newspapers when discussing unemployment.

Topic 3: The Impact of the Great Depression on British Women Migration 1925-1935.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the impact that the Great Depression had on the migration of women out of Britain to the rest of its empire. The study will use empirical data to analyze the Society for Oversea Settlement of British Women (SOSBW). The research will assess if the society’s training programme influenced the employment and migration of women.

Topic 4: The Great Depression and British industrial growth- Analysing economic factors contributing to the Great Depression in Britain.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the British deceleration of industrial growth and the percentage rate of growth as the cause of the Great Depression in Britain. The research will examine the contribution of the Industrial Revolution and its initial rapid percentage of rate of growth causing ‘retardation.’ The study will be empirical and analyse historical patterns of Britain’s national economy.

Second World War Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: analysing brazilian aviation in world war ii.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the extent to which Brazilians were actively engaged in combat on the Brazilian coast and in the European theatre. The study will primarily focus on the global conflict through the Forca Aerea Brasileira, FAB, or the Brazilian Air Force development before participation in the Second World War.

Topic 2: The impact of invention secrecy in World War II.

Research Aim: The research will examine the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patent secrecy orders which put over 11,000 US patent applications given secrecy orders. The study will analyse how this policy impacted keeping technology from the public during the war effort, specifically radar, electronics, and synthetic materials.

Topic 3: Analysing aerial photographic intelligence in WWII by British geologists.

Research Aim: The research will examine the period of WWII from 1939 to 1945, when intelligence was collected from aerial photographs by the Allied Central Interpretation Unit. The study will assess the history of aerial photographic information based on geology contributing to the Allied landings in Normandy in 1944.

Topic 4: Analysing British propaganda in the United States during WWII.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the strategies that British propagandists used to understand the American opinion of WWII during the war and for post-war relationships. The study will investigate the policies and factors that contributed to keeping the wartime alliance and creating an acceptable political climate in the United States for post-war cooperation.

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History of Nazi Germany Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the impact of discrimination against jewish managers on firm performance in nazi germany..

Research Aim: The research will examine the large-scale increase in discrimination in Nazi Germany to cause the dismissal of qualified Jewish managers in large firms. The study will analyse the persistent stock prices of firms, dividend payments, and return on assets after the discriminatory removal of Jewish managers.

Topic 2: Examining children’s literature in Nazi Germany

Research Aim: The research will analyse children’s literature which was propagandised between 1933 and 1945 under the National Socialists party. The paper will examine the various themes, specifically the Nordic German worldview, and how German values were distorted to produce a homogenous folk community.

Topic 3: Shifting from liberal education of the Weimar Republic to Nazi educational reforms- Analysing educational reforms under the Nazi government.

Research Aim: The research will examine education reform that the National Socialist government implemented in elementary education. The research will look to accumulate personal accounts of families and students who experienced the era to better comprehend the educational reforms. The study seems to under how these educational reforms moulded student ideologies.

Topic 4: The effects of antisemitism in film comedy in Nazi Germany,

Research Aim: The research will explore the themes of antisemitism in film comedy produced during the reign of the Nazi party in Germany. The research will study how themes impacted the perceptions of people living in Germany post-war. The research will use document analysis and empirical analysis to document and examine the themes and attitudes.

History of Cinema Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: analysing the history and politics of bollywood..

Research Aim: The research will explore the various events in Indian film history that have allowed it to become a global sensation. The paper will analyse its market-driven triumph against Hollywood imports starting from the 1930s. The paper will also examine the nationalist social views of films produced in Bollywood during the 1950s.

Topic 2: The role of cinematic depictions influencing popular understanding of the Spanish Civil War.

Research Aim: The research will examine the role that cinema played in shaping the understanding of the Spanish Civil War. The study will focus on fictional films that were produced in Spain and Hollywood between the 1940s and the early years of the 21st century.

Topic 3: Analysing distinctive characteristics of Korean films.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the characteristics of Korean films and examine their historical development. The research will focus on the eras of the Japanese colonial period to 1945 when the American army occupied South Korea. The study will analyse the role of censorship throughout this time period in producing Korean films.

Topic 4: Examining the history of cinema in Britain since 1896.

Research Aim: The research will explore the development of cinema exhibitions and cinema-going in Britain in 1896. They will analyse various factors that led to the rapid growth of cinema in Britain just before WWI. The study will examine factors such as the position of cinema, development of modern spaces, artistic respectability, the invention of sound, and cinema as individual entertainment.

History of Racism Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: analysing the factors influencing institutional racism in america..

Research Aim: The research will explore the complicated history of racism in the United States. It will analyse how racism has become embedded throughout American society from land ownership, education, healthcare, employment, and the criminal justice system. The research will use a mixed-methods research approach to gather data.

Topic 2: Examining the relationship between racism and environmental deregulation in the Trump Era.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the possible relationship between environmental deregulation and racism between 2016 and 2017 under the Trump Administration. The study will primarily collect data from executive actions, ecological events, and tweets from the President during this time period. The study will document racist events that were targeted at people of colour, Asians, Arabs, South Asians, Muslims, and indigenous persons.

Topic 3: Analysing the experience of racism in English schools towards Eastern European Migrants.

Research Aim: The research will use qualitative design to analyse the experience of racism faced by students of Eastern European descent. The research will use the framework proposed by the Critical Race Theory and Critical Conceptions of Whiteness to conduct the study. The research will focus on the racism experienced by these students as marginal whiteness for their various linguistic accents.

Topic 4: The impact of racism on Afro-Italian entrepreneurship.

Research Aim: The research will use qualitative data to analyse the participation of Afro-Italian women entrepreneurs in start-ups relating to beauty, style, and hair care lines. The study explores the obstacles that young black women entrepreneurs face in Italian due to racism and how their inclusion in small economies changes the perception of Blackness and Black womanhood related to Italian material culture.

Also Read: Religion, Theology and Philosophy Dissertation Topics

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History of Spanish Civil War Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: examining the role of international nurses during the spanish civil war..

Research Aim: The research will use document analysis, primarily memoirs, to explore the life and work of international nursed participation during the Spanish Civil War. The study will examine their role with regard to contributions made to Spanish nursing during the war.

Topic 2: Examining republican propaganda during the Spanish Civil War.

Research Aim: The research will explore the propaganda used by the Republicans of the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939 to support their ideology of the war. The paper will focus on three primary forms of media – newspapers, cinema, and music. The study will conduct the analysis using historical context to examine its effectiveness in propagating the Republican messages.

Topic 3: The history of British Battalions in the International Brigades of the Spanish Civil War.

Research Aim: The research will examine the role, experiences, and contributions of British volunteers to the Spanish Republic through the British Battalion of the 15th International Brigade. The study will accurately analyse the motivations of the volunteers to join the International Brigades and participate in the Spanish Civil War.

Topic 4: British cultural perspectives on the Spanish Civil War.

Research Aim: The research will explore the cultural perspectives of the political understanding of the British responses to the Spanish Civil War. The study will examine the mass culture and personal experiences of British visitors to Spain in the 1930s.

History of the United States Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the impact of ‘the frontier’ on american expansion and imperialism..

Research Aim: The research explores the idea of ‘manifest destiny, its connection to the American frontier, and its impact on imperialism. The study focuses on how the American perception of savagery and civilisation is related to expanding the American frontier.

Topic 2: Analysing the American public opinion on the War in Vietnam.

Research Aim: The research uses empirical data to analyse the American public attitude with regard to the Vietnam Wat. The data will be analysed using demographic groups and perception studies. The study will investigate how these perceptions eventually shaped government policy preferences during the Vietnam War.

Topic 3: Analysing the inaugural speeches of re-elected US presidents since WWII.

Research Aim: The research identifies, analyses, and assesses the use of individual style in inaugural speeches of re-elected US presidents since WWII. The research will be conducted using document analysis of lexical and semantic levels. The study will assess how the inaugural addresses are shaped to reflect the public policy of re-elected presidents.

Topic 4: Analysing the rise of white power and paramilitary groups in the United States.

Research Aim: The research analyses the rise and expansion of white nationalists, racist far-right groups using government publications, journalistic accounts, and archival records. The research focuses on the failure in Vietnam, giving rise to white power movements. The study will examine various events to assess the factors and significance that caused an increase in paramilitary groups in the United States.

Topic 5: Examining the rise of new white nationalism in America.

Research Aim: The research will use data acquired from speeches, books, and internet sources written by white nationalists to assess the shift of white nationalist ideas of oppression of other races to a view of victimhood of white nationalists. The research will use an extensive literature review to document the development of white nationalism in American history while also considering the development of social media.

Historic Events of Early Twentieth Century Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the creation of uniquely american musical sounds; changes in classical music from the 19th to 20th century..

Research Aim: The research explores the changes in American classical music, shifting from its traditional European origins to a more defined American sound. The study will contend that historical events such as the upheaval and shifts of society during the American Civil War were the main factors of the creation of new American classical music.

Topic 2: The influence of political parties on democracy and party-state relations in the 20th-century.

Research Aim: The research will analyse institutional reforms of party-state relations, including constitutions, electoral laws, and party laws in France and Italy during the 20th century. The study will examine the impact of party entanglement on contributing to democratisation in Europe.

Topic 3: The impact of suspicion and distrust on conflict coverage- A case study of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Research Aim: The research will use inductive-qualitative analysis to examine the journalistic narratives of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To do so, the factors of suspicion of information sources, awareness of being under suspicion, and distrust of peer journalists are used to examine the trust of journalists and the dilemma they face in hostile environments.

Also Read: Project Management Dissertation Topics

Important Notes:

As a student of history looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing history theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The field of history is vast and interrelated to so many other academic disciplines like literature , linguistics , politics , international relations , and more. That is why it is imperative to create a history dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best history dissertation topics that fulfill your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and can also be practically implemented. Take a look at some of our sample history dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your History Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems to be addressed. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic, in light of research questions to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area while identifying any research gaps. Break down of the topic, and key terms can have a positive impact on your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter, and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is to establish the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : Make sure to complete this in accordance with your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, or graphs that were used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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Graduate Research Fields

"The writing of history liberates us from history.” – Benedetto Croce

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Faculty and graduate students in the Department of History conduct research across a number of fields of historical study that include a range of geographic, cultural, and thematic areas.

PhD Research Fields

PhD students should choose from among the research fields listed in the accordion tabs below for Research Fields for Graduate Studies. Information about each research field, including faculty and recent research, is listed in the accordion tabs below. The tabs are linked to pages describing each research field in more detail.

Complete information about the requirements for the PhD program can be found on the History PhD page.

For more information about the PhD and other graduate programs, please visit the G raduate Programs page.

The members of our European History faculty work together, crossing chronological, geographical and thematic boundaries, to train undergraduate and graduate students rigorously to rethink European History and Europe’s historical role in all its dimensions.

At both the undergraduate and graduate level, the faculty specialize in many fields:  Ancient Mediterranean; Medieval and Early Modern Europe; Modern Europe (from 1700); Britain and British Empire; Russia and Eurasia; Jewish History; Women and Gender; Military History; Science, Technology, and the Environment; and Europe and the World.  Eclectic in their interests, many members of the faculty are social and cultural historians;,others are interested in politics and political culture, while still others focus on intellectual developments. 

To learn more, visit the Europe research field page .

Global Interaction and Exchange

The Global Interaction and Exchange field (GIE) engages topics that transcend nations, regions, and single civilizations. By disciplinary convention, most of the Department of History's graduate research fields are defined by region and geography. In 2010 the Department introduced the GIE field in order to enhance the graduate program’s curriculum and to foster a collaborative learning environment for graduate students whose research interests span beyond the traditional frameworks of nation and region. A number of our faculty conduct research, publish works, and teach courses that investigate processes that cross boundaries and seek to make connections between and across far-flung locales.  

The GIE curriculum is flexible by design. It seeks to accommodate the differences in scope and method appropriate to global, trans-regional, and/or comparative scholarship while providing the depth of study to demonstrate expertise both within and beyond traditional national/geographic fields. At the same time, the GIE curriculum requires specific seminars that train students in the major works, methodologies, and theories related to transnational, trans-regional, global, comparative, international, borderlands, and transoceanic approaches.

To learn more, visit the Global Interaction and Exchange research field page .

Jewish History

The study of the social, political, cultural, and religious history of the Jewish people is one of the most dynamic areas of modern historical research and teaching.  At the University of Maryland, our courses range chronologically from biblical to rabbinic, from medieval to modern and contemporary.  Faculty specialties include the Land of Israel in late antiquity; Italy in the early modern period; the Jews of Central Europe in the nineteenth and twentieth century; and the Holocaust.  Both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, students can study such issues as the relationships between Jews and non-Jews; the changing nature of Jewish identity; how Jews have functioned as a minority group in diverse cultures in the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas; and how Jews have transformed Jewish culture in response to the challenges posed by the societies in which they have lived. Students can draw on the rich resources of the University’s Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Program and Center for Jewish Studies (with which Jewish History faculty are affiliated) and the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Program and Center for Jewish Studies , which offer courses on the Hebrew Bible; the Dead Sea Scrolls; medieval and modern Jewish philosophy; Hebrew and other Jewish literatures and film; and Israeli society, culture, and politics.  Rich library holdings at the University, as well as libraries, archives, and research centers in the Washington area, make the University of Maryland an exciting place to study and do research in Jewish history.

To learn more, visit the Jewish History research field page .

Latin America

The graduate program in Latin American History has emerged as one of the top programs in the United States, led by nationally-ranked faculty who have attracted highly qualified students from throughout the Americas.  Our faculty is diverse in scope and area of interests, covering the most important aspects of the history of Latin America since the conquest and establishment of the Iberian empires to the most contemporary issues and from the Southern Cone to the Caribbean. The program also benefits from close connections with faculty and students from other fields such as Global Interaction and Exchange (GIE); the medieval and early modern world; women, gender and sexuality; and US history .

To learn more, visit the Latin America research field page .

Middle East

The Middle Eastern field at University of Maryland offers instruction in the history of the region stretching from Islamic Iberia in the west through North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean basin to Iran in the east from the period of late antiquity (fourth-seventh centuries) to the present day. The faculty consists of Antoine Borrut (late antique and early Islamic), Ahmet T. Karamustafa (medieval and early modern), Madeline Zilfi (early modern), and Peter Wien (modern Middle East), with special research strengths in early Islamic history, historiography, and cultural memory; social and intellectual history of medieval and early modern Islamic piety; social and religious movements in urban contexts; law and legal practice; slavery and freedom; women's experience; and the role of nationalism and religion in the cultural and political transformation of modern Arab societies. In line with the focus of the Department of History on trans-regional and global themes and questions, the Middle East faculty offers expertise in exchanges between various regions of Europe, the Mediterranean, Iran and South Asia.

To learn more, visit the Middle East research field page .

Technology, Science, and Environment

Graduate students may concentrate in this field while pursuing an MA or PhD in history. 

Ours is a lively and flourishing community of students, distinguished faculty members, affiliated scholars within the University of Maryland, visiting fellows, and guest speakers. Institutional resources in the field, both on campus and in the greater Washington/Baltimore area, are outstanding.

The key strengths and interests of the College Park group are in nineteenth and twentieth century developments, particularly in the United States and Europe. We also encourage interests that extend beyond this range, both geographically and chronologically, although instructional offerings may be limited.

To learn more, visit the Technology, Science, and Environment research field page .

United States

Our curriculum serves many different communities, from students who want to take a single introductory course, to undergraduate majors seeking seminar work and a chance to do guided research and writing, to MA.and  PhD students desiring advanced study and preparation for professions in historical inquiry.  Many of our PhDs have gone on to careers in university teaching, government service, and business.  US History is also a particularly significant component of the joint history and library science MA program (HiLS), and many of our graduates now hold positions in libraries and archives across the country.

While students may explore any era of US History and virtually any issue, the Department of History has traditionally been strong in cultural, political, and legal history.  It has established noteworthy concentrations in the study of slavery; African-American History; diaspora studies; labor, women, gender, and sexuality; early America; and the history of business and technology.  Scholars in our department have pioneered the emerging transnational study of the early modern Atlantic World as well as twentieth century labor relations and cultural exchange.

To learn more, visit the United States research field page .

MA/HiLS Research Fields

MA and HiLS students can choose to study in any of the PhD Research Fields listed above as their major field and write a thesis or take examinations in that field. 

Complete information about requirements for the MA can be found on the History MA  page.

Complete information about requirements for the HiLS program can be found on the History and Library Science MA (HiLS) page.

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Preparing a History PhD proposal

The carefully thought-out and detailed research proposal to be submitted with the formal application is the product of a sometimes prolonged negotiation with your potential supervisor. The supervisor may be enthusiastic about your project or might advise you to consider a different subject or change your angle on it; they may query aspects of your plan such as its breadth, the availability of primary sources or the extent to which you are familiar with the secondary literature. You may be asked to demonstrate the originality of your research question or be advised to consider applying to another institution which may have more appropriate expertise. During this process you will likely be asked to submit a specimen of written-up historical research, such as your Masters or BA dissertation. The sooner you start developing the structure that is expected in a research proposal, the more productive your exchanges with your potential supervisor will be.

You may find different advice for writing a research proposal across different OU webpages. Given that a research proposal can vary significantly across different disciplines, when applying to the History Department you should follow the guidance provided here.

The research proposal you submit in January should be approximately 1000 words, plus a bibliography, and should contain the following:

A title, possibly with a subtitle

The title should not take the form of a question and it may run to a dozen words or more. Like the title of a book, it should clearly convey the topic you propose to work on. A subtitle may explain the chronological or geographical focus of your work, or the methodological approach you will take. Choosing a title is a good way for focusing on the topic you want to investigate and the approach you want to take.

These are examples of poor titles and topics to research:

• Captain Cook’s Third Voyage
• Women in eighteenth-century England

These would be poor topics to research because they lack a strong question and it is not clear which approach they take to their already well-researched subjects. They are generic or merely descriptive. 

Examples of good research topics

• Constructing the Eternal City: visual representations of Rome, 1500-1700
• Rearing citizens for the state: manuals for parents in France, 1900-1950

These projects combine a sharp chronological and geographical focus with a clear indication of how the sources will be analysed to respond to a precise question. In the first case, for example, the premise is that visual representations are critical in the making of a city’s eminence. This indicates the type of sources that will be analysed (paintings, engravings and other visual sources). The chronology is particularly well chosen because in these two centuries Rome turned from being the capital of the Catholic world to becoming the much sought-after destination of the Grand Tour; interesting questions of change and continuity come into focus.

Brief summary of your argument

An acceptable PhD thesis must have a central argument, a 'thesis'.  You need to have something to argue for or against, a point to prove or disprove, a question to answer. What goes into this section of the proposal is a statement of your question and the answer you plan to give, even if, for now, it remains a hypothesis.

Why this subject is important

We expect originality in a thesis and so under this rubric we expect you to explain why the knowledge you seek on the subject you propose to work on is important for its period and place, or for historians’ views on its period and place. Finding some early-modern English laundry lists would not suffice  on its own  to justify writing a PhD thesis about them. But those laundry lists could be important evidence for a thesis about the spread of the Great Plague in London, for example.

Framing your research

Your proposal has to show awareness of other scholarly writing on the subject. This section positions your approach to the subject in relation to approaches in some of those works, summarising how far you think it differs. For instance, you could challenge existing interpretations of the end the Cold War, or you might want to support one historian or another; you could open up a neglected aspect of the debate - say by considering the role of an overlooked group or national government - and perhaps kick-start a debate of your own. All this is to show that you have read  into  your subject and familiarised yourself with its contours. We don’t expect you to have done all your research at the start, but it is essential for you to show familiarity with the key texts and main authors in your chosen field.

What sources might you need to consult in libraries and archives?

Here you should describe or at least list the primary materials you are likely to use in researching your thesis. This demonstrates your confidence that enough relevant sources exist to support a sustained scholarly argument. Many archival catalogues are available online and can be searched remotely, including The National Archives, the National Archives of Scotland, the National Archives (Ireland), the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and Archives Wales. You can search the London-based Historical Manuscripts Commission and the National Register of Archives, both of which provide access to local county record offices. Databases such as ‘Eighteenth Century Collections Online’ and the British Library’s ‘British Newspapers Online 1600-1900’ will help you identify and locate relevant sources.

What skills are required to work on the sources you plan to use?

You need to show that you have the linguistic competence to pursue your research. With few exceptions, original sources must be read in the original languages; if the principal historical literature is not in English, you must be able to read it too. Palaeographic problems aren’t confined to ancient writing. You might have to tackle early modern or other scripts that are hard to decipher. Even with fluent German, an applicant baffled by the Gothic script and typeface would flounder without undertaking ancillary study. Training is available at The Open University, or in some circumstances you can be funded to undertake training elsewhere, and you should demonstrate awareness of the skills that you need to acquire.

Do you have the technical competence to handle any data-analysis your thesis may require?

Databases, statistical evidence and spreadsheets are used increasingly by historians in certain fields. If your research involves, say, demographic or economic data, you will need to consider whether you have the necessary IT and statistical skills and, if not, how you will acquire them.

How will you arrange access to the libraries and archives where you need to work?

Although primary sources are increasingly available in digitised form, you should consider that important sources may be closed or in private hands. To consult them may require some travelling and so you should be realistic as to what you will be able to do, particularly if you are applying to study part-time as not all archives are open out of regular office hours.

A bibliography

This should come at the end and include a list of the primary sources you plan to use and the relevant secondary literature on the subject. While you should show that you are on top of recent work (and of important older studies) on the topic, there is no point in having a long list of works only marginally related to your subject. As always, specificity is the best policy.

Please follow this link to see an  example of a successful research proposal [PDF].

All this may seem daunting, as if the department is asking you to write a thesis before you apply. But that is not our intention; the advice is to help you perform the necessary spadework before entering the formal application process. Working up a proposal under the headings suggested above will, if your application is successful, save you and your supervisor(s) much time if and when the real work begins.

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What Can You Do with a PhD in History?

You’re a history buff — the person everyone wants on their trivia team. You can rattle off the dates, facts, and names of the world’s most significant events and periods. If you’re considering using your powers for good, getting a PhD in history is a great option. 

People with a passion for being stuck in the past have options once they’ve completed their history doctoral program. Beyond history jobs in academia, there’s a spot for a historian around the table in nearly every industry. The skill set required to complete a PhD opens up a variety of doors in whichever direction you choose to pursue. Here’s an idea of some things you can do with a PhD in History . 

If you see yourself leading the nation’s young people through their own historical journeys, a PhD prepares you to teach at almost any level, though going the professor route could be more lucrative than teaching high school. On average history professors make between $80,000-$164,000 per year. 

You’ll select your focus and spend your days sharing your passion with undergraduate and master’s level students. Along with teaching, if you pursue a history career in academia, you’ll likely spend some time researching topics within your wheelhouse. Re: your passion! 

If spending your days in front of the class, hosting debates, and leading young minds excites you, there might be even more time on a college campus in your future. However, tenured history professor roles may take some time to find and the salaries can range based on the type of university and location.  

Future Planning

Those studying the past usually have some insights into the future. If you’re looking to explore the world outside of strictly history, you might use your skills to find a career in future planning. No, not retirement planning (though that’s an option too).

Historians have a knack for identifying themes and patterns in culture, politics, and the world. A history PhD program allows you to use your historical knowledge to contribute to the modern world by making an impact on the community around you. Many politicians, inclusion officers, grant writers, and even human resource managers use their history PhDs to influence their worlds. 

Your ability to think critically about the past and lend your knowledge to the future makes you an asset to any organization looking to excel into the modern world. Be prepared to market yourself as someone who can best set the organization up for success in an ever-changing world. 

Business/Technology

In the business and technology world, it’s all about understanding the customer. Who are you selling to? What is their day-to-day life like? How do you best understand their needs and wants? 

As a historian, your ability to communicate with a diverse population and understand the context of their lives makes you especially valuable on a sales, marketing, development, or innovation team. As a PhD, employers know you are well-read, have strong research skills and have spent many, many, many hours writing. It’s no surprise that Historians make excellent copywriters, marketers, and editors. 

We won’t lie to you, there aren’t many Fortune 500 CEOs that can claim a doctorate in history. Most CEOs have MBAs or degrees in engineering. But there should be more historians up at the top — maybe you have what it takes. 

Intelligence Analysis

You may not be the next Indiana Jones, but you might cut it as a secret agent. The ability to analyze and synthesize information from various sources is crucial for intelligence analysts — and history PhDs have that in spades. 

Skilled at recognizing biases, evaluating the reliability of sources, and making informed judgments based on incomplete or uncertain information, historians have a strong ability to think critically and evaluate evidence. 

Additionally, historians have a deep understanding of the historical, cultural and social context in which events occur. This understanding can help you identify underlying factors and motivations that may not be immediately apparent to others. 

Archivist/Historian

If you’ve always dreamed about a career in history, this is likely what you’ve pictured. Spending days dusting off old newspapers and curating the perfect collection of artifacts — historians and archivists are often hired by governments or organizations to collect, analyze, organize, and preserve important documents and artifacts. 

Companies may hire a historian to reflect on the organization’s past in order to better inform their future choices or to maintain an existing collection of artifacts. We get it. We saw National Treasure, too. This would be a pretty amazing career.

The salary for historian jobs   can vary based on size of the organization and unfortunately, the importance they place on preserving their history. For reference, the average PhD in history salary is $75,000 in the U.S.

Become a Historian at SMU

So, what can you do with a PhD in history? You can make sense of the past to inform the future, you can write exceptionally well, and you can excel in nearly any industry. Simply holding your doctoral degree in history shows employers the determination you have. There should be a seat saved for you at every company, college, and organization looking to succeed.

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Explore what you can do with a PhD in History, read the guide Reanalyzing Our World, PhDs in The Humanities at SMU !

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You will work with a stellar faculty in the Department of History and neighboring departments as you acquire advanced skills in historical research, analysis, and writing, as well as teaching.

Nine research centers affiliated with the history program offer further programs in area studies, including The Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, The David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, and The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. You also have access to the largest university library system in the world, consisting of 80 libraries and 17 million volumes.

Examples of dissertations students have worked on include “Cold War Capitalism: The Political Economy of American Military Spending from 1949 to 1989” and “Imperial Schemes: Empire and the Rise of the British Business-State, 1914–1939.”

Graduates of the program have gone on to teach at Yale University, Princeton University, NYU, and the University of Maryland. Others have gone on to positions outside academia as startup founders, lawyers, policy analysts, and museum curators.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of History and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

African History | Ancient History | Byzantine History | Early Modern European History | East Asian History | Environmental History | International and Global History | Latin American History | Medieval History | Middle Eastern History | Modern European History | Russian and Eastern European History | South Asian History | United States History

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of History .

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required. While there is not a specific length requirement, most writing samples are around 20 to 25 pages. If you are submitting a sample that is part of a larger work (a chapter from a thesis, for instance) you may include a brief abstract situating the piece in the larger work.

Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should include why you want to study history in graduate school, why you want to study at Harvard, and indicate your research interests and potential advisors. The required writing sample should be of remarkable quality and ask historical questions. Reading ability in two languages other than English is helpful. Most statements of purpose are around 3 to 5 pages.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional

In coordination with Harvard Law School, students may pursue both a PhD in history and a JD at Harvard Law School. To learn more about this course of study consult the Coordinated JD/PhD program overview.

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for History

See list of History faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

• How to Choose a PhD Research Topic
• Finding a PhD

Introduction

Whilst there are plenty of resources available to help prospective PhD students find doctoral programmes, deciding on a research topic is a process students often find more difficult.

Some advertised PhD programmes have predefined titles, so the exact topic is decided already. Generally, these programmes exist mainly in STEM, though other fields also have them. Funded projects are more likely to have defined titles, and structured aims and objectives.

Self funded projects, and those in fields such as arts and humanities, are less likely to have defined titles. The flexibility of topic selection means more scope exists for applicants to propose research ideas and suit the topic of research to their interests.

A middle ground also exists where Universities advertise funded PhD programmes in subjects without a defined scope, for example: “PhD Studentship in Biomechanics”. The applicant can then liaise with the project supervisor to choose a particular title such as “A study of fatigue and impact resistance of biodegradable knee implants”.

If a predefined programme is not right for you, then you need to propose your own research topic. There are several factors to consider when choosing a good research topic, which will be outlined in this article.

How to Choose a Research Topic

Our first piece of advice is to PhD candidates is to stop thinking about ‘finding’ a research topic, as it is unlikely that you will. Instead, think about developing a research topic (from research and conversations with advisors).

Consider several ideas and critically appraise them:

• You must be able to explain to others why your chosen topic is worth studying.
• You must be genuinely interested in the subject area.
• You must be competent and equipped to answer the research question.
• You must set achievable and measurable aims and objectives.
• You need to be able to achieve your objectives within a given timeframe.
• Your research question must be original and contribute to the field of study.

We have outlined the key considerations you should use when developing possible topics. We explore these below:

Focus on your interests and career aspirations

It is important to choose a topic of research that you are genuinely interested in. The decision you make will shape the rest of your career. Remember, a full-time programme lasts 3-4 years, and there will be unforeseen challenges during this time. If you are not passionate about the study, you will struggle to find motivation during these difficult periods.

You should also look to your academic and professional background. If there are any modules you undertook as part of your Undergraduate/Master degree that you particularly enjoyed or excelled in? These could form part of your PhD research topic. Similarly, if you have professional work experience, this could lead to you asking questions which can only be answered through research.

When deciding on a PhD research topic you should always consider your long-term career aspirations. For example, as a physicist, if you wish to become an astrophysicist, a research project studying black holes would be more relevant to you than a research project studying nuclear fission.

Read dissertations and published journals

Reading dissertations and published journals is a great way to identify potential PhD topics. When reviewing existing research ask yourself:

• What has been done and what do existing results show?
• What did previous projects involve (e.g. lab-work or fieldwork)?
• How often are papers published in the field?
• Are your research ideas original?
• Is there value in your research question?
• Could I expand on or put my own spin on this research?

Reading dissertations will also give you an insight into the practical aspects of doctoral study, such as what methodology the author used, how much data analysis was required and how was information presented.

You can also think of this process as a miniature literature review . You are searching for gaps in knowledge and developing a PhD project to address them. Focus on recent publications (e.g. in the last five years). In particular, the literature review of recent publications will give an excellent summary of the state of existing knowledge, and what research questions remain unanswered.

If you have the opportunity to attend an academic conference, go for it! This is often an excellent way to find out current theories in the industry and the research direction. This knowledge could reveal a possible research idea or topic for further study.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Discuss research topic ideas with a PhD supervisor

Discuss your research topic ideas with a supervisor. This could be your current undergraduate/masters supervisor, or potential supervisors of advertised PhD programmes at different institutions. Come to these meetings prepared with initial PhD topic ideas, and your findings from reading published journals. PhD supervisors will be more receptive to your ideas if you can demonstrate you have thought about them and are committed to your research.

You should discuss your research interests, what you have found through reading publications, and what you are proposing to research. Supervisors who have expertise in your chosen field will have insight into the gaps in knowledge that exist, what is being done to address them, and if there is any overlap between your proposed research ideas and ongoing research projects.

Talking to an expert in the field can shape your research topic to something more tangible, which has clear aims and objectives. It can also find potential shortfalls of your PhD ideas.

It is important to remember, however, that although it is good to develop your research topic based on feedback, you should not let the supervisor decide a topic for you. An interesting topic for a supervisor may not be interesting to you, and a supervisor is more likely to advise on a topic title which lends itself to a career in academia.

Another tip is to talk to a PhD student or researcher who is involved in a similar research project. Alternatively, you can usually find a relevant research group within your University to talk to. They can explain in more detail their experiences and suggest what your PhD programme could involve with respect to daily routines and challenges.

Look at advertised PhD Programmes

Use our Search tool , or look on University PhD listing pages to identify advertised PhD programmes for ideas.

• What kind of PhD research topics are available?
• Are these similar to your ideas?
• Are you interested in any of these topics?
• What do these programmes entail?

The popularity of similar PhD programmes to your proposed topic is a good indicator that universities see value in the research area. The final bullet point is perhaps the most valuable takeaway from looking at advertised listings. Review what similar programmes involve, and whether this is something you would like to do. If so, a similar research topic would allow you to do this.

Writing a Research Proposal

As part of the PhD application process , you may be asked to summarise your proposed research topic in a research proposal. This is a document which summarises your intended research and will include the title of your proposed project, an Abstract, Background and Rationale, Research Aims and Objectives, Research Methodology, Timetable, and a Bibliography. If you are required to submit this document then read our guidance on how to write a research proposal for your PhD application.

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Lessons Learned from Career Diversity

AHA Career Diversity Fellows | Aug 14, 2020

The AHA’s Career Diversity for Historians initiative is leading a national conversation to better align the purpose of doctoral education with the varying skills, values, and interests of graduate students and the changing professional opportunities for historians within and beyond the academy. In the spring of 2018, 20 PhD-granting history departments were awarded Career Diversity implementation grants to support a team of faculty and a graduate student fellow to collaboratively build sustainable cultural and structural change in their doctoral programs. After two years of work at our partner institutions, we asked the fellows to discuss what they’ve learned and share some of the innovative ways they are creating student-centered doctoral programs that prepare history PhDs for a range of careers.

AHA Career Diversity fellows at the 2018 orientation. Elizabeth Poorman.

In this post, the sixth of a six-part series, the Career Diversity fellows reflect on how two years of department-focused work has changed their views on the purpose of doctoral education in history, on higher education in general, and their own careers.

What do you think is the purpose of a history PhD?

Vanessa Madrigal-Lauchland (Univ. of California, Davis): Most folks interpret “What is the purpose of a history PhD?” as “What can one do with a history PhD?” The Career Diversity initiative has worked hard to answer that question with a resounding, “Anything you want.” However, the heart of the question, “What is the purpose of a history PhD?” is really asking about our goals as humanists in this world. This forces us to reflect on our values, relationship with our communities, and our impact on society. 

Derek Kane O’Leary (Univ. of California, Berkeley): I don’t know. But I would love to see my department bring together faculty, grad students, undergrads, and alumni to collaboratively craft an answer to that and publish it on our website.

Lillian Wilson (Wayne State Univ.): I worked in museums and as a community college and art college lecturer before beginning the PhD and understood that I needed the doctorate to advance in the museum world or in academia. My work for Career Diversity has revealed to me that I can have a meaningful career that merges my strengths as a teacher and mentor, museum administrator, and scholar.

Matt Reeves (Univ. of Missouri–Kansas City),: The PhD is a signifier of professional approval. What, precisely, that sign of approval means is up to faculty in PhD-granting departments. But those expectations can (and should) change as the nature of the work performed by PhDs changes. As graduate students have the freedom to make their degree work for their careers, faculty have the freedom to redefine doctoral degree requirements. If we believe that people with PhDs are a positive good for society both within and beyond academe, then it’s time that faculty accept diverse new comps fields and capstone projects beyond the traditional dissertation. 

Stephanie Narrow (Univ. of California, Irvine): The history PhD naturally attracts the intellectually curious, those who seek to find new perspectives on past and present issues. The PhD should foster this curiosity so that graduate students feel empowered to explore professionalization and career pathways with the same spirit of inquiry that they do their research agendas.

Trishula Patel (Georgetown Univ.): A PhD in history provides training not only in the traditional aspects of research, historiography, and pedagogy, but in the intellectual grounding that we’re given to articulate our work’s value beyond the academy. Many PhD students and faculty write for popular media outlets, teach outside the university, or engage with the public in ways that go beyond the occasional interview or op-ed. The ultimate goal, I believe, should be to give students the intellectual and practical tools to teach, research, and apply what we learn to policy, activism, and the greater good of society. 

Allison Faber (Texas A&M Univ.): The most challenging part of this question is to determine one purpose of a history PhD. Broadly, a PhD signals that one has completed the highest level of training in historical research methods and historiography. However, that training is fruitless without sharing the knowledge and tools gained during a doctoral program. So, I would say that the purpose of a history PhD is to give students the ability to effectively use historical thinking to shed light on historical problems and to communicate that knowledge to others.

Brian Campbell (Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign): We need historical expertise now more than ever. Historians excel at explaining difficult concepts in the classroom, and such evidence-based historical learning should be a foundational part of any high school and middle school experience. We could better support graduate students who aspire to teach K–12, as well as in other educational spaces like prisons. Also more historians could be working as analysts and consultants, helping to inform decision-making that affects policy, governance, and culture.

Do you think about higher education differently now?

Vanessa Madrigal-Lauchland (Univ. of California, Davis): The term “higher education” always brought to mind the image of a bar just out of reach. It’s in the name, right? “Higher.” It wasn’t created for me, the Xicana, the first-generation American, the girl who lived squished in a one-bedroom apartment with her giant family. Even as I earned my way into more advanced programs and became part of the system, the mass and momentum of higher education seemed alien and separate from my passive existence as a student. But this experience empowered me (and other students) to collaborate with faculty, cross-campus institutions, and administrators to make concrete and identifiable change. After this fellowship, I think of higher education as a system supported and driven by a passionate community of individuals committed to education and equality, who are willing to work toward changing a structure that was built to resist it. 

Stephanie Narrow (Univ. of California, Irvine): My work has opened my eyes to the complexity of universities and their administrative hierarchies, especially in a large system like the University of California. We’ve found success in navigating institutional channels by partnering with other campus organizations, and working through, rather than against, the university. 

Tim Herbert (Univ. of Illinois at Chicago): I’ll admit that I had a naive and privileged view of higher education before I started graduate school. (The Ivory Tower! Life of the Mind!) Participating in Career Diversity accelerated the shift in my views already under way and gave me a better framework for thinking about higher education. I also have a greater appreciation for the work faculty do, especially the committee and service work that is often invisible to graduate students. For instance, I’ve watched our department chair handle budgeting at a time when Illinois’s finances—and thus the University of Illinois at Chicago’s financial state—were emerging from total chaos (Illinois effectively did not have a complete budget for two years prior to 2018). 

Andrew Brown (Texas A&M Univ.): This fellowship has provided me with the opportunity to wade into the world of faculty politics and helped me learn more about department and college service than ever before. Service is not a small part of each faculty member’s job but it is probably the area most graduate students are unprepared for in the academy. I learned how decisions are made in our department and college, which helped me gain an appreciation for the people who do that work.

Matthew Villeneuve (Univ. of Michigan): We have a lot of “intergenerational” historical knowledge to draw on, and heeding that accumulated wisdom is one of the things that can broaden our sense of what historical thinking is, and where it happens.

Tyler Krahe (West Virginia Univ.): I’ve become even more convinced that higher education has a lot of room to grow. A department doesn’t have to be all things to all students and it is more than just the faculty within it. The expertise and skills of alumni are a way for a department to cater to the wants and needs of individual students. I hope that is the direction we are headed. 

With what you know now, what would your ideal of graduate education in history be like?

Vanessa Madrigal-Lauchland (Univ. of California, Davis): Graduate education ought to be flexible, equitable, and diverse. Although social justice might not seem like a key aim of Career Diversity, the topic has been present in every conversation about sustainability, resources, and accessibility. If graduate programs are truly committed to diversity and equal access to education, we must create equitable solutions to facilitate student success. 

Tim Herbert (Univ. of Illinois at Chicago): I want graduate education to respond to students’ needs while offering them the proper material, emotional, and intellectual support. Ideally, doctoral programs would be fully funded at a living wage for four to five years in programs designed to be completed in that period of time (though Stacey makes an important point below about the potential problems with this limit). A more flexible education would encourage students to explore the discipline and learn about the different ways of being a historian. This might include teaching, working as interns, and new formats for dissertations. Finally, I’d like to see the “doktorvater” view of graduate advising replaced by a model promoting multiple mentors.

Andrew Brown (Texas A&M Univ.): Teacher training and teaching experience have to be a priority in every graduate program. I would also like to see departments find ways to promote a healthy collegial atmosphere and cohesion in program cohorts through social events and programming. This promotes the mental health of students and reduces the sense of isolation, which is too common in the academy. It takes a long time to finish a PhD and this period cannot be seen as a break from real life. Students need a healthy and friendly atmosphere to get through the rigorous process.

Stacey Murrell (Brown Univ.): Maybe it’s because I work in a premodern field (requiring three languages and travel abroad for research) but four to five years is next to impossible. So not treating the PhD as one size fits all would be ideal. I think that all courses should involve useful assignments that can help students further develop specific skills that are useful in multiple career paths and I second the need for diverse intern opportunities and more opportunities to teach. Finally, I think it’s incredibly important that students have the opportunity to provide feedback on their courses and the program. 

Joseph Stuart (Univ. of Utah): I agree with everything said above about the importance of a living wage, more professional development, and a structure that rewards and incentivizes high-quality advisers. I’d also be interested in creating classes designed to orient students to graduate school, not just to the content and historiography of their field. We ask students to figure out too much on their own, like how to apply for conferences, figure out where to do research, and balance school, work, and life. We can do more to help students, particularly underrepresented groups succeed in graduate school. 

Hope Shannon (Loyola Univ. Chicago): Historians can and should be trained to bring historical thinking to wherever it might be most useful and valued. To center graduate programs around the idea that students should be trained to pursue meaningful work also requires providing students with the funding and resources necessary to explore those interests. Unfunded career diversity opportunities don’t help anyone, and they exacerbate the financial difficulties already faced by so many graduate students.

Ramya Swayamprakash (Michigan State Univ.): As an international student, I have raised the importance of thinking beyond the academy for those of us whose existence in this country is dependent on visas. Diverse, demonstrable skills would make any candidate more desirable for a variety of careers outside the professoriate. Graduate programs with large numbers of international students also need to make sure their career development programming takes their unique needs into account.

Have your own career aspirations been shaped by participating in this initiative?

Alejandra Garza (Univ. of Texas at Austin): I entered the graduate program at the University of Texas at Austin knowing what I didn’t want to do afterward, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. Now, I aspire to work in higher education administration, ideally an office like Texas Career Engagement, where I could help future graduate students see how their grad degree can help them be whatever they want to be. A graduate degree doesn’t limit you in any way, it does the exact opposite. 

Shuko Tamao (Univ. at Buffalo, State Univ. of New York): I graduated during the pandemic and am reassessing my career plans right now. As a fellow, I feel I should have some solid ideas for my career plans, but I have to be flexible right now. I have set a broad, long-term career goal, but I may not get to where I aspired a few years ago. But by participating in this initiative, I learned that I could allow myself to envision my career beyond the confinement of “I should,” encouraging myself to be creative and resourceful.

Matt Reeves (Univ. of Missouri–Kansas City): I credit my time as a career fellow with coming to fully accept the positive value of a career outside the academy. It’s easy to pay lip service to the “No More Plan B” talk; it’s harder to accept and believe it. I now know that I can use the skills I learned in graduate school to positive ends outside the academy. Two years ago, I was hired as a part-time librarian in special collections at the Kansas City Public Library. Within a year, I was promoted into a full-time education and outreach position. I credit the promotion to the entrepreneurial mindset I honed in graduate school: constantly improving programs and always making the case for the value of the humanities. 

Joseph Stuart (Univ. of Utah): I always knew that I needed to be open to a wide array of career opportunities. The Career Diversity initiative has given me a language and framework for how to use my historical skills to find meaningful employment that pays a living wage. If given the choice of any option, I still want to be a professor. But I know that I could succeed and be happy doing many things.

Matthew Villeneuve (Univ. of Michigan): After working on Career Diversity, I am recommitted to the broader effort of knocking down the walls of the academy—not just those artificial boundaries between historians and the public, but between historians themselves. That conviction makes me all the more committed to pursue a career in the academy. I’m confident that academic historians can continue to find common cause with everyone who uses rigorous historical thinking skills as a part of making their way in the world, and I look forward to being a part of that effort.

Leah Burnham (Georgia State Univ.): This initiative has opened my eyes to other career possibilities and I plan on applying to a variety of jobs. But it’s important to understand that a PhD does not automatically make one qualified for a job outside of academia. Those interested in other careers should participate in informational interviews through AHA Career Contacts and thoroughly research those careers to make sure they’re doing everything in their power to become qualified before applying.

Tags: Perspectives Daily Employment & Careers Career Diversity for Historians Graduate Education

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626 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. and Thesis Ideas for Master Students

If you are about to go into the world of graduate school, then one of the first things you need to do is choose from all the possible dissertation topics available to you. This is no small task. You are likely to spend many years researching your Master’s or Ph.D. topic and writing the text. This means that choosing a dissertation topic should not be taken lightly.

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No worries! Just read this article by our Custom Writing service , and you’ll find:

• a collection of great thesis topics on finance, education, management, law, etc.
• a range of tips on choosing a killing Ph.D. topic.
• 👍 Top 10 Dissertation Topics
• 🆚 Thesis vs Dissertation
• 🔝 Top 10 Thesis Topics
• 🎓 Thesis Topics List
• ✅ How to Choose a Topic

👍Top 10 Dissertation Topics

• Ethical alternatives to animal testing.
• What’s the future of the Dead Sea?
• Does accent affect singing ability?
• The importance of corporate values.
• Can we regulate influencer marketing?
• How does inflation affect small businesses?
• Is homeschooling the future of education?
• How does Tourette’s syndrome affect one’s daily life?
• How to conduct market analysis for e-commerce.
• Has globalization affected cultural appropriation?

🆚 Dissertation vs. Thesis: Is There a Difference?

People often consider a thesis and a dissertation to be the same thing. Yet, there is an important distinction between them. The key difference is that you need a thesis to complete a master’s degree, while a dissertation is necessary for obtaining a doctorate. Keep in mind that it’s vice versa in European higher education.

Here are some other differences:

Despite these differences, theses and dissertations have a lot in common:

• You need them to complete a degree.
• Both require certain levels of expertise and writing skills.
• You defend an argument in both of them.
• Plagiarism is prohibited in both theses and dissertations.

🔝 Top 10 Thesis Topics for 2023

• The consequences of obesity.
• The influence of social media .
• Economic development and happiness.
• Feminism in the United States.
• The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Racism in schools and colleges.
• Overeducation in the labor market.
• DNA evidence in criminal justice.
• Sales forecasting techniques.
• Wage difference among athletes.

🎓 Thesis Topics & Ideas

Below, you’ll find a collection of excellent topics for a thesis. To simplify the task, it’s not a bad idea to use a topic chooser . We’ve also prepared a checklist that will help you make the right choice. If you agree with the following statements, you’ve chosen a good thesis topic:

• You are interested in this subject.  It will be easier for you to work on it if you like your area of research. Remember that you will have to spend long hours looking through various data. You need to stay motivated.
• The topic is helpful in your career path.  Choose a topic that you can apply to further research if you plan to pursue your career in the academic field. Choose something that you can use in your CV if you decided to work in the industry.
• There is enough available research data.  Don’t choose a topic that is too trivial or uncommon. It is essential to find enough relevant information. Consult your supervisor to understand if you can proceed with it.
• The topic isn’t too broad or too narrow.  Otherwise, it will be harder for you to find credible sources and relevant data.
• You already have an understanding of it . Make a list of thesis topics that include the issues you have researched before. It will save you some time and allow you to evaluate your opportunities.
• Your topic is unique.  Make sure there are no other papers that explore exactly the same issue. The value of your work is your original contribution to the research. If somebody has already investigated the topic, there is not much sense in proceeding with it.

Wondering where to find the most current topic for your research? We’ve collected them below.

Computer Science Thesis Topics

Computers surround us everywhere. From hospitals to home offices, it’s impossible to imagine life without them. A doctorate in computer science can allow you many career opportunities!

• The latest developments in AI use for healthcare services . Healthcare in the US is expensive for its citizens. One way to reduce the cost is using computer algorithms. This technology research topic lets you explore how AI helps physicians with their tasks. 
• Computer security for public institutions. Several allegations about hackers stealing data from the US government emerged in recent years. With this dissertation idea, study public cybersecurity. Also, discuss ways to improve cybersecurity practices. 
• Visual recognition system architecture: real-time object detection. Discuss a system based on neural networks capable of detecting objects. Focus on the virtual environment. You can alter this trending topic in computer science for real-life settings. 
• Blockchain application outside financial technologies. Analyze and discuss the implications of using blockchain systems outside of the fintech sector. For example, study its use for public services and in government agencies. This topic allows exploring ways of applying established algorithms. 
• Machine learning and text structures. Discuss ways of visualizing text categorization. Focus on complex hierarchical structures of texts. This topic is suitable for postgraduates. 
• Encrypted search: security, performance, and usage. Discuss the use of encryptions to protect data. Say how we can improve it for effective information search. 
• Use of computers in education . Study how algorithms can improve learning. This topic can be altered for other fields. For example, choose AI in business or agriculture. 
• Graphics and visual computing: current state and the future. By now, CAD programs are an integral part of every engineer’s tool kit. Your thesis can analyze the potential of those programs. What would improve their performance? Is there a chance that they will become obsolete? 
• Multimedia databases parsing and indexing. Netflix and YouTube require technology to search across their multimedia databases. This dissertation can be a survey on best practices. Or, add a company name to the title and focus your research on it. 
• AI Marketing: the use of algorithms to improve advertising. In the previous list of research question examples, you can choose a narrow marketing theme. Then, discuss the implications of such algorithms. 
• Study computation of models for virtual environments . 
• Cybersecurity challenges for automated vehicles. 
• AI and vehicle automation: potential safety gaps. 
• Computer graphics : perspectives for medical imaging. 
• Research the use of computer algorithms for medical analysis . 
• Discuss the role of bioinformatics in healthcare improvement. 
• How is a computer-aided design used in creating automobile parts? 
• Review the best practices for System Level Testing of distributed systems. 
• Agile project management for software engineers . 
• Software development risks analysis for successful employment. 
• Study the security mechanisms for WLAN networks . 
• Malicious botnets and network worms: an overview. 
• What are the best practices in ICT systems development? 
• Web-based document management systems using XML. 
• Best algorithms for cluster generation. 
• Methods for improving Open Web Architecture. 
• Analyze software solutions for the increased energy efficiency . 
• Protection of systems against terror attacks : a case study and analysis. 
• New methods of risk management during software development. 
• Analyze how Web space requirements are changing. 
• Analyze how e-publishing is affecting libraries. 
• New methods for studying the behavior of malware, viruses, and worms with the use of secure programming and runtime environments. 
• Analyze redundancy and fault recovery in the 4G wireless network . 
• Analyze the implementation and analysis of the optimal algorithm vs the heuristic algorithm for the generation of clusters. 
• Analyze how full-text databases affect search engines.  

Humanities and Art History Thesis Topics

Do you want to put your passion into words? Would you like to share your ideas with the world? Then pursuing a Ph.D. in the arts or humanities is the right path for you.

• The history of cinema : past and present. With this history dissertation topic, focus on how cinema developed. Explore the period starting from the first short films by the Lumiere brothers. Finish the discussion with modern-day Hollywood examples. 
• Art or commerce: a case study of Hollywood films. Discuss the intersection between artistic expression and profit. This exciting arts topic focuses on modern cinema. You can use examples of art-house movies and modern commercially successful ones. 
• Hollywood vs. Bollywood . Compare the two distinct film production centers for this art thesis. Next, discuss how local cultures impact Hollywood and Bollywood movies’ direction, genres, and plots. 
• The use of visual tools in interior design . This dissertation topic is an intersection between arts and computer science . The focus is on how visualization tools help to create design projects. 
• Racism in the 21st-century literature. Focus on how the narratives about racism have changed. Include examples from poetry and prose of this era. Compare it to works published in the past. 
• The cultural aesthetic of Afrofuturism in literature. This dissertation idea allows you to explore the intersection of arts. Specifically, see how culture, philosophy of science, and history manifest in Afrofuturism . 
• The social value of ecopoetry. Analyze how literature that focuses on ecological problems. Discuss environmental consciousness and environmental issues . 
• Graphic novels: the best examples and implications for the development of literature. What does it mean when literary classics are converted into graphic novels? Incorporate the question if graphic novels can become part of the literary canon. 
• Theater of the Absurd in the 1950s and 1960s. Discuss this form of theatrical art. Examine how it emerged and why it became influential. 
• Post World War II art : cinema and literature. Use examples of films and literary works. Discuss major works of the post-WWII era and their themes. 
• Futurism and the Czech avant-garde : the artistic connection between Europe’s East and West. 
• Study the phenomenon of the hero archetype. 
• Assess dancing as a form of meditation . 
• Review the common elements of various African dances. 
• Folk dances across Western Europe. 
• Discuss regional dances and dance as a ritual. 
• Animation as a modern art form.  
• Research the art of glass-making and its prospects for the future. 
• Analyze the cultural impact of The Beatles beyond music.  
• Literature censorship in the US. 
• Examine the intersection of ecology and arts. 
• Heidelberg Project: is it a model for creating art in urban areas? 
• Study kinetic sculptures of the 20th century. 
• What characterizes social activism in 20 th -century rock music? 
• Jazz in the 21st century: a potential for revival. 
• The history of design in various periods of human existence (the ancient times, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, etc.). 
• Design as art . 
• Philosophy of design. 
• Separate branches of design ( interior design , car design, toy design, etc.). 
• Stylistic peculiarities of a certain designer. 
• Web design as a modern quintessence of design. 
• Social significance of design. 
• The birth of Communism as it relates to Stendhal. 
• The relationship between politics and literature in the 19 th century. 
• An analysis and case study of artists and art during times of war.  
• How contemporary art is related to American suffering. 
• Analyze of how racism relates to the family unit. 

List of Science Topics for Your Thesis

A dissertation in science will probably require you to run numerous experiments. Many of them will probably go wrong. But the one that does work might be the next big breakthrough! Find a suitable research theme in the following list of topics:

• Bacterial injections for the treatment of cancer tumors. Injecting bacteria into tumors is a fairly new approach to treating cancer . Review the mechanism of action and evaluate the potential of this method for curing cancer.
• Computer imagining and AI for cancer detection . Examine how AI-assisted cancer screening improves accuracy. Include early detection implications and usage in hospitals.
• Ethics of organ donations and transplantation. With this dissertation topic in science, examine the ethics of encouraging people to donate their organs. Include the implications for medical research and practice.
• An epidemiological and molecular approach to cancer prevention . This topic idea suggests assessing the current understanding of how cancer develops as well as potential prevention strategies.
• Ways of speeding up vaccine development and testing. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the process of vaccine development is relatively slow. It takes a long time to ensure proper testing. You may discuss these issues in your biochemistry dissertation.
• The current state of research into ultra-fast rechargeable batteries. The topic of batteries and energy attracts lots of attention. With this topic, you can examine how to improve the design of aluminum-ion batteries. Include ways to decrease their charging time.
• Nanotechnologies in drug delivery: electrospraying. Current research shows the great potential of nanotechnologies. In particular, the electrospraying technique makes nanoparticle delivery more efficient.
• Prevalence of various Helicobacter Pylori virulence in a population. Conduct quantitative research and examine a sample of patients to determine the number infected with Helicobacter Pylori.
• The relationship between gut microbiota and the person’s appetite . Your research can explore the theory that the gut microbiome has varied effects on the person’s body. Review the implications for obesity treatment for different gut microbiomes.
• The age of antibiotics: is it over? Examine the use of antibiotics and the reasons for its decline. Discuss the evolving nature of bacteria that require remedies other than antibiotics. Include quantitative data in this dissertation for a specific type of disease.
• CRISPR method for studying human DNA.
• The study of human evolution : latest discoveries.
• Denisovans from Siberia: a new type of hominid discovered.
• Study the use of AI in archeology .
• Conduct a study of the Neanderthal genome sequence.
• What are the ways of improving solar cell efficiency?
• The carbon footprint of modern production: how do companies damage the environment?
• Research the use of cesium in solar panels .
• The era of supercapacitors: are we ending the use of batteries?
• Assess the efficiency of Robot Suits for people with permanent paralysis.
• Microscale medial robots: potential applications.
• Look into stem cell mobilization and its mechanisms.
• Discuss the ethics of automated cars .
• Space robotics: can we design robots capable of exploring space?
• Evaluate the efficiency and potential of lithium-based rechargeable batteries.
• Morality and ethics of stem cell research .
• Is behavior controlled or affected by genetics and to what level.
• A look at methods of improving risk factors post-stroke.
• Analyze of Chinese herbal practice and its relevance to conventional medicine.
• Analyze the effect schools have on childhood obesity .

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• New methods of using existing data to gather information that is useful. 
• An in-depth look at the factors affecting the decline of the immune system with age. 
• Analyze of the potential effect of nanotechnology on health and the environment. 
• Analyze of toxicity levels of inhaled nanoparticles. 
• The usefulness of nanotechnology in curing some types of cancer . 
• An analysis and case study of the treatment of patients who have experienced a loss of memory. 
• Analyze the use of DNA typing of remains to identify missing people and the victims of crime. 
• The response of immune deficiency diseases to the activation of T-cell subsets. 
• The influence and importance of IT in the field of biomedicine. 

Architecture Thesis Topics

Architecture is more than just aesthetics. That’s become especially clear ever since the doctrine “form follows function” gained traction. Whether you’re into baroque or Bauhaus, there’s plenty to discover about architecture.

• Religious architecture in the British Empire. Research the transformation of religious buildings and how it affected architecture in general. 
• Modernist architecture in the USSR at the beginning of the 20th century. Compare modernist architecture in the USSR with other countries. 
• Urban greening and its influence on buildings’ design . The dissertation proposal can include green roofs as the main point of research. 
• Brutalism and its history in New York . Provide historical research of brutalism in New York and discuss how it affects modern architecture. 
• Modern-day aboriginal settlements in Australia. Using examples from media and research, indicate how aboriginal settlements are perceived and handled today. 
• Transformation of the urban design in the 21st century. Using London, Hong-Kong, and New York as examples, provide an in-depth discussion of changes in the urban design. 
• The architectural history of Seattle. Conduct research and write a proposal that will compare different architectural styles seen in Seattle. 
• Integration of culture in environmental design. In this proposal, you can use large cities in Asia as primary examples of the synergy between culture and architecture. 
• The architecture of residential buildings during the second half of the 20th century. Choose one or several large cities (e.g., Berlin, Miami, Kyoto) as the basis for your research. 
• The history of Moscow Avant-Garde . Use both Soviet and modern Russian research on Avant-Garde to present the topic accurately. 
• Use of computer visuals in architecture. 
• Review the trends in modern furniture design. 
• Ecology and architecture: integration of green technologies.  
• Discuss the multiculturalism of contemporary urban architecture. 
• The history of architecture in urban areas of the US: the study of New York. 
• Modern city design case study. 
• Research ways of using wood in modern architecture. 
• Commercial architecture: aesthetics and usability. 
• Evaluate the design of municipal buildings in the US. 
• Creativity in postmodernist architecture. 
• How do we integrate smart home technology into architecture? 
• Small scale homes: a study of growing interest in small housing. 
• Discuss the use of lighting in building design. 
• Study innovations in structural design in the digital age. 
• What are the implications of inclusive architecture? 
• Sustainable architecture: recycling spaces and materials.  
• Renewable energy in home design. 
• Assess open concept homes for American families. 
• Conduct a study of family homes design. 
• Research architecture suitable for middle-class families. 

Thesis Topics in English Literature & World Literature

Was your New Year’s Resolution to re-read the 100 most influential classical works? Then you might want to consider writing a thesis in advanced higher English. Check out these engaging prompts:

• In-depth stylistic analysis of The Trial by Franz Kafka . Explain what stylistic devices Kafka used in his story. 
• The influence of The Hound of the Baskervilles on the development of modern detective stories. Prepare several comparisons of The Hound with modern detective stories to pinpoint its influence. 
• The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum : women characters in Heinrich Böll’s fiction. Using the book mentioned in the topic, examine how the German writer depicted women in his prose. 
• Analysis of the terrorism portrayal in modern journalism : The New York Times case study. Pick several articles related to terrorism published in NYT and describe in detail how it is portrayed (keywords, images, etc.).
• A formalist approach to Dostoevsky: analysis of The Brothers Karamazov . Provide the reader with an explanation of the formalist approach and use it to analyze the novel. 
• The depiction of sexual violence in young adult literature. Pick several YA novels published in the 2010s for your research. 
• The use of repetition in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot . Analyze how repetition is used for emphasis and other effects in the play. 
• Feminism and gender in Margaret Atwood’s Cats’ Eye . Review the book from a feminist point of view and discuss how gender issues are presented in the book. 
• How does Phillip K. Dick use intertextuality in The Man in the High Castle ? Find as many references to other literary and historical sources as you can and elaborate how Dick uses them and for what aims. 
• The influence of Steppenwolf on postmodern American literature: the contribution of Herman Hesse. Using Steppenwolf as the primary source, discuss what characteristics common for postmodern literature Hesse uses in this novel. 
• How does racism manifest itself in classical literature? 
• Discuss the oppression of women in The Handmaid’s Tale.  
• Gender roles in The Miniaturist and A Doll’s House : a comparison. 
• Moral ambiguity in David Harrower’s works. 
• Literary techniques in the Perks of Being a Wallflower.  
• The setting in The Murder in the Rue Morgue and its influence on the detective genre. 
• Review the tropes first introduced in The Moonstone .  
• Study the depictions of police’s work in Skinner’s Rule . 
• Assess the influence of Victorian Gothic horror on popular culture. 
• Social criticism in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  
• Analyze cyberpunk elements in Gibson’s Neuromancer .  
• Themes of social equality in modern literature. 
• Research the views on Native American writers in Nature’s Poem.  
• Critique of contemporary children’s literature . 
• Gothic elements in Charlotte Bronte’s works . 
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Dracula : a comparative analysis. 
• Terror in The Picture of Dorian Gray .  
• Examine the connection of mental health and society in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye . 
• Magical realism and romanticism in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.  
• How does the cut-up technique contribute to the narration in William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch?  

Criminal Justice Thesis Topics

Are you a forensic science student who prefers research to actual police work? In that case, a dissertation in criminology is a great idea. This way, you can work on preventing crime from the comfort of your desk.

• Recidivism rates among underage Latino first-time offenders: a quantitative study. Research a group of first-time offenders of a particular age (e.g., 18 to 25 years old).
• A comparative analysis of the incidents of gun violence in the USA during the 2010s. Choose several prominent examples and compare them to each other.
• Troublesome statements: the role of witnesses in potentially false accusations. In this dissertation, you can write about the unreliability of statements, using documented examples.

• The patterns of drug trafficking in Germany’s largest cities: a case study of Berlin and Hamburg. Analyze the changes in these patterns in the 2010s. 
• Money laundering and corruption in the United States in the 21st century. Using media reports, create dissertation research about corruption schemes. 
• Mental health and self-perception of second-time sex offenders . Determine if their self-perception changes. 
• School shootings in the USA: causes and risk factors . Using recent and historical data, analyze the cases of mass shootings. 
• The influence of cyberbullying on suicide rates among Australian adolescents (13-17 years old). You can base your dissertation report on various research on cyberbullying published in Australian scholarly journals. 
• Child abuse and its influence on serial killer’s perception of victims. Discuss interconnections between abuse and potential sadistic behavior. 
• The history of forensic interviewing in the USA. Present research and practices that contributed to its development. 
• Use of artificial intelligence for forensic investigations. 
• Criminal behavior at a young age and its implications for the future. 
• Drug use: pattern of recurring arrests among American youth.  
• Incarcerated parents: the impact on the child’s perception of crime. 
• Research the reforms of the US criminal justice system.  
• Propose strategies for improving the juvenile detention system. 
• Police officer’s abuse of power: analysis of reports. 
• Race and criminal justice: the case of War on Drugs . 
• What are the possible alternative forms of incarceration?  
• A study of public perception of modern serial killers . 
• Training of sniffer dogs. 
• The implications of eyewitness testimony.  
• Abuse in Hollywood: a case study of Harvey Weinstein. 
• Bias against African Americans during investigations.  
• A study of college violence. 
• Legal implications of medical marijuana legalization . 
• Ethics of criminal justice : the problem of confidentiality. 
• Review the challenges linked with domestic violence investigations. 
• Suggest ways of preventing crimes in schools . 
• Gender bias during crime examinations. 

Geography Thesis Topics

If you enjoy unveiling Earth’s secrets, this section is for you. Here you’ll find geography dissertation ideas ranging from studies of movement to regional phenomena.

• Species that became extinct in the 20th century: qualitative research. Address the human influence on various species . 
• Current issues in the exploration of Arctic. Discuss difficulties and specifics of such explorations. 
• A comparison of urban back gardens in the USA and the UK. You can compare their design and other features (for example, vegetation used for decoration). 
• The causes and outcomes of floodings in the USA in the 2010s. Address climate change as one of the leading causes. 
• Prevention of ecosystem changes with modern technology. Provide various examples of how technology is used to sustain ecosystems. 
• Changes in travel destinations in the 2000s: a comparison of the USA and Canada. Demonstrate what changes in preferences were documented in these countries and show what destinations were especially popular. 
• The perception of environmentally friendly technologies and their impact on the environment by citizens of large metropolitan areas: a case study of Miami. Explain how various projects based on environmentally friendly technologies are launched in Miami. 
• A negative impact of global warming on weather conditions in Iceland. Discuss how tourism in Iceland is affected by these changes. 
• The influence of industrialization on climate change. Address the causes of climate change, using industrialization and its consequences as a basis. 
• Compare Greenfield and Brownfield land use for construction projects. 
• Investigate the significance of red salmon for Kamchatka. 
• The social impact of climate change : a study of migration patterns. 
• The potential of community gardening in underprivileged neighborhoods. 
• Study the link between the strengths of hurricanes and climate change. 
• What can be done to stop gentrification in your community? 
• Evaluate coastal tourism, its effect, and implications. 
• The impact of reservoir locations on water quality . 
• How did industrialization affect the development of Chicago? 
• Study soil pollution levels in your community area. 
• Conduct an analysis of air quality in your city. 
• Eco-tourism , its history, and perspectives. 
• Differences in soil chemistry across several locations. 
• The impact of organic farming on water quality in your area. 
• Compare the sustainability of organically vs. conventionally farmed tomatoes. 
• Research air pollution levels and data on airborne illnesses in your area. 
• What’s the relationship between rock climbing and cliff vegetation? 
• Study the changes in soil fertility upon volcanic eruption. 
• How does the Chernobyl disaster continue to affect the surrounding area?  
• Determine the patterns of floods in a particular area of your choice. 

Sociology Thesis Ideas

Sociology studies how humans live together. A dissertation is a great way to dive deeper into a particular subject. You can get as specific as your heart desires! Check out our sociology thesis topics:

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• Single parent stigma and its influence on family’s quality of life and parent-child relationships . Present examples from recent research that illustrate how the dynamics of these relationships change over time due to stigma.
• Women empowerment in Saudi Arabia in 2000s: breakthroughs and challenges. Discuss how this empowerment affected legislation and women’s rights .
• Long-term alcohol addiction and self-perception in young adults. With the help of research, demonstrate whether self-perception of these adults transforms significantly due to their addiction.
• Adoption and its influence on parent-child relationships. Present and discuss challenges that such families face.
• Comparison of traditions related to family dinners in the USA and the UK. What specific differences are there and how can they be explained?
• Influence of the emo culture on suicide rates in high school students. Address the influence of such cultures on adolescents’ behavior.
• The rates of secularization in elderly individuals living in urban and rural areas. Compare the rates and explain why they are different.
• Influence of forced outing on transgender individuals and concomitant changes in their quality of life. Explain the effects of forced outing and why this impact is dangerous.
• Comparison of anti-nuclear movements in Germany and Japan in the 21st century. Explain in detail what differences and similarities are prominent.
• Performance rates of teenagers in schools in low-income neighborhoods: a case study of Boston schools. When writing your dissertation proposal, consider various factors (poverty, limited access to technology, etc.) that affect performance rates of these teenagers.
• Black Lives Matter movement’s immediate impact on racism.
• Research causes of minority bias in the US.
• Affirmative action and its impact on the perception of varied racial groups.
• The impact of religion on people’s attitudes towards race.
• Review the challenges of the US LGBT community.
• Bias towards transgender studies.
• Social activism against gender discrimination in the 21st century.
• The impact of social assistance in schools on a child’s future.
• Research the changes in education after WWII.
• Analyze scholarship policies in the US.
• The impact of student debt on youth’s perception of education in the US.
• Outcomes of public vs. private schools: a comparison.
• Research the preservation of culture in American immigrant families.
• Applying Marx’s conflict theory to social justice movements.
• Assess changing trends in social norms in a country of your choice.
• Attitudes towards prejudice among people of different social backgrounds.
• Comparison of women’s rights in Western and Middle Eastern countries.
• The impact of capitalism on one’s social values.
• How does capitalism benefit society across multiple post-soviet countries?
• Compare healthcare access in autocracies vs. democracies.

💡 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. students

Below you’ll find a list of excellent dissertation ideas in different fields of study. They are more difficult than thesis topics and require more research. Jump to the section that interests you and find the topic that suits you best! But first:

What Makes a Good Ph.D. Topic?

Usually, universities would expect your dissertation to be original and relevant in the field of the research. Moreover, it would be worthwhile if it has the potential to make a change.

This checklist will help you see whether you’ve made the right choice. Your dissertation topic is good, if:

• You have an opportunity to research it fully.  You need to know that there is enough data and a theoretical basis. Do some prior research to understand if you will be able to answer all your dissertation questions.
• You can fill the gaps in the existing knowledge.  Your research matters if you can provide some new information that contributes to the field of your studies.
• Your dissertation title is catchy.  Try to make it worth the reader’s attention from the first glance.
• You can evaluate how much time you need.  It is vital to understand all the stages of your research and the challenges you might face to plan your work.
• You know the subject well.  You will need to explore your topic in-depth. It’s good to have some previous knowledge about it. Starting the research from the very basics will take more time and effort.
• You have enough resources to investigate it.  Both time and money matter in this case. You need to do high-quality research and meet your deadlines.

Dissertation Topics in Education

Learning is a lifelong experience, and the importance of schools cannot be overestimated. Research in this area is critical to improving education standards. Have a look at these topic ideas to get inspired:

• Gamification as tools for enhancing learning abilities: theory and practice . Many studies have been conducted on different learning approaches. For young learners, engagement is as critical as the outcome. Therefore, this work focuses on gamification and its effect on children’s improvisation and learning. 
• Studying the connection between classroom quality and the learning outcome in kindergarten . Children are strongly affected by their environment, especially when it comes to learning. This dissertation topic example is all about looking into different classroom settings and their effect on kids’ learning outcomes. 
• Evaluating the process of implementation of inclusive education in the US. Professionals argue that inclusive education carries multiple benefits for all students (not just those with limited abilities.) However, it is quite a challenging process to implement all the changes. 
• Factors influencing the decision to transfer to the higher education abroad . In this work, you can focus on finding out the reasons for such a decision. Why do undergraduate students choose to leave their home country? What are the most important factors? 
• Online education vs. traditional face-to-face lessons for adult learners: compare and contrast. Online courses have their own benefits. However, would adult learners prefer them to in-person classrooms? How does it affect their learning and motivation? 
• How does working as a taxi driver and navigating change a person’s brain? 
• To what extent can reality television be disempowering for students?  
• The role of homework in the lives of immigrant adolescents. 
• The impact of teachers’ shocking behaviors in fostering students’ creativity. 
• The determinants of flossing behavior in college students . 
• The classification of drinking styles in the college-age population. 
• Integrating the computer into the curriculum : why you can’t simply plug it in. 
• The preconditions for serious music-making avocation in computer science students. 
• Adult graduate difficulties with learning new technologies. 
• The effect of academic performance on the health of students . 
• The impact of mathematic coaching on students’ self-esteem . 
• The influence of internet on the emotional maturity of students. 
• Academic achievements of students who decide to become teachers. 
• Is it true that students are more likely to do homework given by good-looking professors? 
• Informal learning in rural areas via social networks. 
• Educational blogging for professors: the social networks of educationists. 
• Does learning existentialism cause suicides? 
• Is it possible to reduce summer learning loss without students’ consent? 
• Can we reject classical math and do it at the same time? Yes, we can. 
• What are major career prospects with a degree in Liberal Arts ? 
• Using electronic games in museums as an effective education tool. 

Business Dissertation Topics

There are many things a business administrator should keep in mind. Finances, marketing, and development are just the tip of the iceberg. So, the choice of topics is practically endless. Check out this selection to narrow down the possibilities:

• How are business strategies adjusted to the globalization process? Small businesses’ perspective. Globalization means huge and profitable opportunities. To seize them, all businesses and companies should make some changes in their strategies. Investigate what would be the best action plan for them. 
• Cultural changes and the effect of feedback in an international company: a case study. Choose a multinational company. Study the impact of feedback (both from the employees and customers) on its organizational culture changes. What reaction does it provoke in the company? 
• Human resource management approaches in international non-profit organizations. In this study, look into the strategies HR managers apply in non-profit organizations. One of their main responsibilities is to monitor the performance of the employees. However, at the international level it becomes more difficult. 
• Leadership and organizational culture in making decisions about business strategies. In this research, you study the influence of the organizational culture on leaders. In the case of trying to initiate changes in the business strategy, how is a leadership decision taken? 
• The role of “ foreign direct investment ” in companies in developing countries: a case study of a large business. For this paper, pick a suitable company first. Aim for large companies in developing countries. Then conduct research and find out what strategies they have for foreign direct investments. 
• COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on workplace management in small businesses . The COVID-19 pandemic caused many companies to readjust their HR policies. For instance, they allowed their staff to work from home. Research this phenomenon in your thesis. 
• Social entrepreneurship for large companies. If you want to make the world a better place, social entrepreneurship is a suitable method. We usually associate it with small start-ups. But what about large companies? With this topic, you can research how the concept works for big firms. 
• How innovation affects demand in technology-driven businesses. This MBA dissertation topic combines business studies and technology . Examine how companies create products for establishing markets. 
• Management strategies in times of COVID-19: a case study . The pandemic has forced companies to use Zoom , Skype, and messaging instead of regular meetings. Review how executives can apply traditional management models in the digital space. 
• The impact of burnout on employees . Interview staff members and determine how burnout affects performance. Include the name of a company or industry in your dissertation’s title. 
• Tourism management in the Middle East. 
• How do natural disasters impact the demand for essentials?  
• Compare and contrast Asian and American leadership styles . 
• How does fluctuation in the stock market impact business operations? 
• The art of delegation : how to do it effectively and when to avoid it. 
• How can one efficiently lead a company when unforeseen circumstances occur? 
• What factors determine employees’ work satisfaction?  
• Study the link between a company’s success and innovation . 
• What can business managers do to bridge the gap between generations ? 
• Research the benefits of global and local brand management. 
• What causes changes in Chinese business culture? 
• Choose a small business and analyze its strategy.  
• Organizational changes : what factors impact transformation? 
• Internet banking : barriers to usage. 
• Create a business plan that is focused on a specific issue. 
• Conditions necessary for quality management in MNCs. 
• The role of E-commerce for food retailers. 
• Conduct a case study with the purpose to analyze one or several social phenomena. 
• Workplace ethics in small businesses.  
• The phenomenon of remote working and how it is affecting businesses. 
• Comparison of Generation X and the Millennial Generation . 
• Managing the Millennial Generation . 
• Current trends in consumer behavior in relation to advertising . 
• Analyze which countries margin financing is effective and why. 
• Analyze the macroeconomic factors affecting exchange rates. 
• An empirical analysis of the impact of organizational performance and leadership . 

Law Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. Students

Legal science is not dull as one may think. It’s crucial to evaluate laws at any point in time. Do they fit the current norms? Does something or someone need more protection than before? If you want to garnish your legal education with a Ph.D., here are some topic suggestions:

• Trust law: the circumstances when fully secret and half-secret trusts are necessary. Find out what are the principles that dictate the enforcement of the trusts. There are specific circumstances that determine whether creating trusts would be adequate and relevant. Make sure to take them into consideration. 
• Termination of employment in case of employees tested positive for HIV/AIDS. Your task would be to conduct research and see how HIV/AIDS employees are influenced in the workplace. The most common issues are discrimination and termination of employment. 
• The influence of the Global War on Terrorism on international criminal law. When the US launched the campaign against terrorism in 2001, international criminal law faced some changes. You can study the most significant changes that have been made. 
• The level of effectiveness of the US copyright law in relation to the rights of users. It’s an empirical research topic that would require collecting lots of data. Try to find some cases when the users were left cheated by copyright law. It would bring some diversity to the research and make it more interesting. 
• Study the effect that the US immigration policy has on education right now. Educational institutions are also required to adjust to changes connected with immigration. Different requirements and different curriculums are implemented to fit their needs. You are about to look into this issue. 
• Select a country and analyze its worker protection laws. Compare the rights and obligations of employees in two countries of your choice. What potential improvements can solidify employee rights ? 
• Protection of minorities, legal precedents. Minority rights are becoming more and more relevant. This topic allows you to discuss how laws can be changed to reflect it. 
• Regulation of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies allow for anonymity. Besides, they are not regulated by any state. In your thesis, you can analyze cryptocurrency regulations. 
• Fake news : legal responsibility. Review how the United States legal system approaches disinformation. Focus on false publications on news resources. Another possible topic is improvements to defamation laws. 
• Freedom of expression : a case during a pandemic. This topic is about false information in times of COVID-19. Examine how a state can balance freedom of expression with the spread of false information. Focus on this disease and the fake news about it. 
• Legal practices for preventing possible future pandemics. 
• Research ways of online journalism protection. 
• International law vs. the right to self-determination: comparative case studies of de facto states. 
• Review the history of fiscal laws in America. 
• Limits to freedom of expression in the US legal system. 
• Enforcing regulations concerning domestic violence . 
• Study criminal responsibility for drug possession in the US. 
• Criminalization of violence against women.  
• Review the legal framework for addressing foreign involvement in elections. 
• What was the government response to the COVID-19 pandemic?  
• Health standards for immigrant detention centers in the US . 
• Research the loopholes in the US immigration laws . 
• Birthright citizenship in the US: pros and cons. 
• 1951 Refugee Convention: is it obsolete? 
• Illegal immigrants and their rights in the US justice system. 
• How criminal laws have been impacted around the world by the war on terror . 
• Choose a country and analyze their policies on discrimination. 
• Evaluate the protection given to minority shareholders as dictated by company law. 
• Provide a critical analysis of the law of omissions liability. 
• Investigate and analyze complaints filed in the criminal justice system . 
• A critical analysis of the reform of homicide laws . 
• The morality and impact of euthanasia and how Canada sets a precedent. 
• A detailed analysis of gender and race profiling of suspects in the criminal justice system . 
• Analyze the right to bear arms relative to the context in which the law was written into The Constitution. 
• Create case studies that represent a review of criminal negligence related to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007. 

Psychology Dissertation Topics

The mysterious ways of the human mind offer many research opportunities. Psychology encompasses sub-fields such as behavior and cognition. Whatever your area of expertise, you’ll undoubtedly find something interesting in the list below.

• The current effect of the “price ending” method on the consumers’ behavior . Nowadays, everybody knows the most popular trick that shops pull to make customers buy the products. However, does understanding it make it easier to resist it? Is this psychological trap still working? 
• Burnout at the executive positions in massive US corporations: is it possible to prevent? The phenomenon of burnout is the most common issue that employees face nowadays. But there are ways to detected it at an early stage. Could they be used to predict and prevent this problem? 
• Mindfulness practices and their influence on students’ learning abilities at the top universities (e.g., Harvard). Mindfulness is proved to be extremely useful in overcoming stress and anxiety issues. However, does it affect the learning outcome of the students who study at the best universities in the world? 
• The individual struggles with gender issues and their impact on global gender inequality . Everything always starts with a small thing. For this paper, study the relation between some individual cases and the global issue. How do personal struggles contribute to the worldwide movement for justice? 
• The positive influence of irrational beliefs on mental well-being. In psychology, irrational beliefs are a set of values and opinions that people believe in despite rational evidence against them. However, what positive effect can they bring? 
• Ways of raising awareness of mental health problems. Mental health has been discussed more openly in recent years. Review how this open discussion affects views on personal mental health. As another idea for a psychology dissertation topic, research a specific illness. 
• Student burnout and ways to prevent it. Focus on the problems students face and what strategies can reduce their stress. 
• Pandemic and mental health . The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to be in isolation from social contacts. Review the potential effects of this practice on people’s well-being. Discuss possible strategies for supporting mental health during possible future pandemics. 
• Weight, self-image, and mental health. A clinical psychology thesis can focus on the psychology behind excess weight. Discuss how weight affects a person’s perception of self. Assess implications for clinical psychologists who work with overweight patients. 
• Social media vs. reality: normalizing real people. Review current efforts of social media accounts in normalizing body image . Explain how this can reverse the damage that edited photos have on mental health. 
• How does gender bias affect mental health in America? 
• What factors affect women’s self-esteem in the workplace? 
• Specifics of transgender mental health. 
• Research the effect of immigration on mental well-being. 
• Study the psychology of racism and ways to combat it.  
• What distinguishes the mental health of minorities in the US? 
• Research the psychology of dissent in the Soviet Union. 
• The connection between stress and overeating: latest developments. 
• Assess the role of social support for losing weight . 
• What’s the role of prejudice in politics? 
• Assess the role of endurance in combating stress . 
• Developing hardiness: strategies and exercises. 
• What’s the effect of emotional resilience on mental health? 
• Helping teenagers overcome stress via relaxation techniques . 
• Look into the perception of anger and its effect on mental health. 
• Understanding the function of the prefrontal cortex in terms of how it is connected to other parts of the brain. 
• Understanding how the prefrontal cortex makes us human. 
• How emotional and anxiety disorders are connected to social cognition that is impaired. 
• Analyze the ability of an MRI to determine brain function. 
• Analyze the relationship between emotional and episodic memory. 
• A comparison of the plasticity of the child’s brain and the adult brain. 
• Analyze the continued relevance of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development.  
• An in-depth look at the social intuitionist model and how it relates to the emotion and reason involved in moral judgement. 
• How the evolution of the human brain can be understood in terms of children cognitive development . 
• A demonstration of the multi-dimensional nature of schizophrenia.  
• How rational thinking and impulse contribute to decision-making. 
• A systematic analysis and review of the psychology of religion. 
• How exposure to nature affects happiness. 

Nursing Dissertation Topics

A nurse’s work is hard. Unfortunately, they rarely get the credit they deserve. With a Ph.D., you could become an advocate on the problem. Or you could concentrate on optimizing their work environments.

• Exercise, changes in lifestyle , and self-tracking for diabetes prevention and management. Center your research on different lifestyle changes (exercise, reduced smoking and drinking) and explain how and why it prevents diabetes . 
• Influence of stigma related to HIV/AIDS on representatives of ethnic minorities: a case study of Native Americans. Using research, provide compelling evidence of how Native Americans are stigmatized and discriminated against. 
• Chronic illness management at home: recommended evidence-based practices. Using current nursing and other professional research, discuss how adults and seniors manage chronic and autoimmune diseases. 
• Depression and stress and their relation to preterm births in first-time mothers. Collect several articles about the issue and using their conclusions show how depression causes preterm births. 
• Burnout in nurses: factors that cause it and practical solutions for prevention . Present outcomes of burnout (decreased performance and concentration, subpar workplace environment) and illustrate how it affects hospitals on a more significant scale. 
• Public health: community-based measures to prevent morbid obesity. In this research, you can list various methods that include exercise and education and explain in detail how they prevent the spread of obesity. 
• Risk factors and injury rates in psychiatric nursing. Present statistics on different types of injuries in psychiatric institutions . 
• Cultural diversity and inclusion in nursing education . When researching diversity, make sure you are using examples of different minority groups’ perception of education. 
• Euthanasia legislation in the USA: ethical issues and debates . Provide a thoughtful discussion of ethical and legal issues surrounding euthanasia. 
• Organizational climate and its influence on perceived patient safety . Your study should focus on the importance of positive relationships between staff members, and its influence on the prevention of medical errors. 
• Dietary practices and their influence on the quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. SLE is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Describe nutritional research approaches to SLE. 
• Fluoride application training in dental nursing. 
• Describe the specifics of nursing care for patients with diabetes . 
• Assess gender disparity in nursing research. 
• Study nurse burnout prevalence in neonatal care in your community. 
• Nursing staff advising DASH diet: effects on patients’ blood pressure.  
• What are the challenges of asthma management for nurses? 
• Nursing for autistic patients : the best strategies. 
• Racial differences in nursing care: a case study. 
• Evaluate nurses’ role in pain management for patients with dementia.  
• Study the connection between nursing staff turnover and burnout. 
• How is the role of a nurse changing in the modern healthcare system?  
• Review nursing practices for managing elderly patients.  
• A holistic approach to obesity management in nursing. 
• Describe the specifics of nursing in rural areas . 
• Physical activity and mental health: a nursing case study. 
• Discuss nursing pain relief strategies for general care.  
• Determine the ethical implications of nursing malpractice.  
• Nurses consultations for spinal cord injuries . 
• Nursing in an urban setting : challenges and prospects. 
• What are the specifics of pain management in obstetrical nursing? 

Marketing Dissertation Topics

Good marketing is what made you buy that product you didn’t know you needed. Marketing needs plenty of scientific research for it to be successful. You can contribute to this effort with one of the following topic ideas:

• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of traditional and digital marketing in the last five years. Marketing moves towards digital campaigns more and more every year. Though, traditional marketing still exists, of course. Your task is to compare every aspect of these two types in the span of the previous five years. 
• The specifics of the relationship marketing and its influence on the loyalty rates among customers: a case study of fast-food chains. Take a few fast-food chains to conduct this research. Then analyze their relationship marketing strategies. There should be a correlation between the methods they use and the loyalty of their customers. 
• Direct marketing and artificial intelligence: how do companies use it? The industry of marketing couldn’t have missed the opportunity to use the latest technologies for their benefit. Artificial intelligence helps some companies gain a competitive advantage. Find out what those benefits are. 
• Collectivism and individualism : how does culture influence supermarkets? There are some apparent differences in cultures when it comes to shopping. Each shop owner has to implement a specific marketing strategy for targeting the customers. Work on aspects that make those strategies successful in different cultures. 
• The strategies that make personalized products sell effectively. Everybody loves customized products, but it seems like not everybody is willing to share their data to get it. Therefore, businesses are forced to work it out. This research looks into marketing tools and methods they use to sell personalized products. 
• Influence of online shopping apps on impulsive buying behavior . Using prominent examples such as Amazon and eBay , elaborate how apps affect customer’s decision to purchase an item through recommendations. 
• Product design and its impact on consumer’s purchase decision. When preparing this thesis topic, consider using examples of large corporations such as Apple or IKEA to prove your point. 
• Customer loyalty : the importance of satisfaction and loyalty programs. Conduct research using available surveys on satisfaction and draw conclusions from these statistics. 
• Ethnic differences and their impact on brand perception. This research can review the types of products that target White or Black Americans specifically. 
• Preferences for green products: analysis of the income’s influence on consumer decisions. Compare what households are more likely to prefer green products. 
• Shopping habits of Muslim consumers in the USA: qualitative research. Here, you will need to do research by engaging Muslim Americans in your study; you can use interviews or surveys for this topic. 
• Social media and its impact on the promotion of small business. Make sure your reader understands how social media can promote or negatively present small business through customers’ comments. 
• Does globalization make preferences of customers from different socioeconomic backgrounds similar? Interview people from lower, middle, and upper class and discuss the preferences of American households. 
• Social media usage by international companies: a case study of Electronic Arts. Study the influence of customers’ reviews and opinions on EA’s sales. 
• Consumers’ perception of transaction safety in online shopping applications. Discuss how consumers learn to differentiate between reliable and unreliable apps for payments . 
• Marketing high tech products: a case study. 
• Study changing marketing techniques during the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• The future of big data uses in marketing. 
• Conduct a comparative analysis of offline vs. online advertising . 
• Explore the relationship between marketing strategies and sales.  
• Holiday marketing strategies in the 21st century. 
• Is marketing tailed towards model devices effective? 
• Study the rise of influencer marketing . 
• Review the newest trends in digital advertising . 
• Brand management in 2020: an analysis. 
• Assess the effect of advertising on consumer behavior.  
• Targeted ads: are they efficient? 
• How did marketing change during the COVID-19 pandemic? 
• Assess brand management’s contribution to consumer loyalty . 
• Impact of social media marketing on brand perception. 
• Google Analytics insights for marketing campaigns.  
• Marketing for minority populations. 
• Youtube marketing: the effectiveness of videos for brand promotion. 
• How does partnering with influencers impact brand perception? 
• Social influencer marketing for SMEs. 

History Dissertation Topics

History is written not only by the victors but also by history students. Your dissertation can shine a light on understudied cultures. Or perhaps you want to focus on how a specific event impacted the world. Find inspiration among the following dissertation questions and ideas:

• The historical context of the creation of Guernica by Pablo Picasso . War wasn’t the only inspiration for Pablo Picasso during the process of making Guernica . In this paper, you would look into the environment of the artist and try to identify what else brought him to the creation of this masterpiece. 
• Bismarck and radical nationalism: what influenced the political state? For this research, you would study the underlying reasons for German Nazism before the beginning of World War II. What factors gave it a start when Otto von Bismarck was in charge? 
• The rise of Bollywood: historical context. This paper focuses on the success of Indian Bollywood movies in the 1930s. You would need to look into the events that made those movies famous in the whole world. Don’t forget to mention the social views of Bollywood movies. 
• The influence of secrecy in the technology intervention during World War II. You would study the role that the US Patent and Trademark Office played in the development of special war technology . Secrecy helped to keep it away from the public and enemies. How did it influence the war? 
• Italian prisons in the 19th century: how were they managed after Unification? This paper would require you to study documentation on the management system prison used in Italy at the beginning of the 19th century. You should try to find some practices that might have been socially harmful. 
• Gender perceptions in the Middle Age. When preparing the dissertation, use both historical and literary sources to show how gender was presented. 
• Secularization in the American South during the post-war period. Provide a detailed discussion of secular societies forming in the South after the 1940s. 
• Representation of Jewish history in contemporary art: a case study of Art Spiegelman’s Maus . Using the comic book as the primary basis, explain how Jewish culture and history are presented there. 

• The history of medieval warfare and its influence on Modern Era warfare . When constructing this thesis, make sure you are using both historical and current research to provide details. 
• American-British relations during the Cold War Era . Explain how the Cold War Era changes these relations and what has affected it the most. 
• Germany’s foreign relations during the 1980s. Present a detailed overview of different foreign relations (e.g., with the USA, the USSR, the UK) Germany had during this period. 
• The financial crisis in the USA in 2007-2009. Using research and media sources, explain to the reader how the crisis is still affecting the USA.  
• The development of Austrian identity after World War II. In this case, you can use both historical evidence and Austrian literature that provides personal opinions of writers and artists on the issue. 
• The impact of the Great Depression on the American involvement in the World War II. To show your understanding of historical processes, demonstrate how the Great Depression affected the USA’s perception of WWII. 
• How I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb: the development of nuclear warfare in the 20th century. Discuss the development of nuclear warfare in the USA and the USSR. 
• What was the role of China in the Cold War? 
• How did the Spanish Flu affect the pandemics that followed it? 
• Determine the influence of the stock market crash in 1929 on the World Wars. 
• First Battle of Marne’s impact on the outcomes of WWI. 
• Tool usage and creation: Aztecs vs. Mayas. 
• How did the enlightenment philosophy impact the development of the natural sciences? 
• The effects of Christianization in sub-Saharan Africa. 
• Assess the role of slavery in the US civil rights movement. 
• Study the history of LGBT rights establishment in the US. 
• What are the origins of slavery in Africa?  
• The Moon Landing and its impact on space exploration. 
• Explore the role of the Bible in Jewish history. 
• The US’ involvement in WWII. 
• The aftermath of WWII: major historical events. 
• Research the link between the Mexican-American War and the Gold Rush . 
• Cold War insights: lessons from the Suez Crisis. 
• Explore the role of democratization in the Soviet Union collapse.  
• Global cooperation in early modern Europe. 
• Study the legacy of the arms race. 
• How did the First Ladies influence life in the 20th century America? 

Dissertation Topics in Management

Companies and employees alike benefit from well-thought-out management strategies. So, a thesis in management has the potential to improve work environments even further. Kickstart your research by choosing one of the following topics:

• Ecotourism in Canada: issues and trends in small business. Explain issues that arise in ecotourism with climate change. 
• Management ethics: how social media affects employees’ privacy and organizational climate. Present examples of negative and positive influence. 
• Leadership styles : a comparison of democratic and autocratic leadership. Discuss what leadership style should be chosen to rule various companies, depending on their business plan. 
• Political risk and its influence on emergency management . Explain how political crises affect and shape emergency management. 
• Cultural diversity and its impact on employees’ satisfaction and commitment. Show what advantages and disadvantages there are in cultural diversity. 
• Economic growth and unemployment rates in Australia during the 1990s: a historical perspective. Explain the causes of economic growth and unemployment. 
• Challenges in human resources management working with millennials: qualitative research. Discuss what particular challenges HR managers face and how they can be addressed. 
• The significance of organizational routines in international corporations: a case study of Google. Conduct research on the importance of routine and its impact on performance. 
• Computer skills and management: the effectiveness of computerized management information system in rural areas. Describe how digital management can be effectively applied in companies working in rural areas. 
• The history of digital rights management in the USA. Present the changes in the field during the 1990s-2010s. 
• Analyze the best leadership styles for SMEs. 
• Examine the changes entrepreneurship underwent in the past decades. 
• How do leadership styles relate to work satisfaction ? 
• Overview of business negotiation methods using technology. 
• Ways of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. 
• Discuss the specifics of airline companies’ management . 
• Choose a theory of motivation in the workplace and make a case study on it. 
• Study change management in SMEs in times of a crisis. 
• Managing diverse workforce: a qualitative analysis.  
• Use of employee voice in US companies. 
• Research the relationship between the organization’s goals and a manager’s behavior. 
• What are the best current practices in public administration ? 
• Applying strategic human capital principles in practice. 
• The study of female CEOs in a country of your choice. 
• Employees’ perception of change management : a quantitative analysis. 
• A study of employees’ resistance to change.  
• What’s the correlation between a CEO’s leadership traits and employee motivation ? 
• Workplace risk management : a study of psychosocial hazards. 
• Conduct a quantitative study of the gender pay gap for CEOs. 
• Research the relationship between management style and employee productivity . 

Qualitative Dissertation: Ideas for Proposals

If you want your thesis to be more practical, you’ve come to the right section. Common approaches for qualitative dissertations include researching case studies, surveys, or ethnographies. Because of this, fieldwork will be an integral part of your doctorate journey.

• A comparison of teaching techniques that targeted children with autism in the 20th and 21st centuries. Provide a detailed overview of techniques and explain how research affected them. 
• The development of cognitive-behavioral therapy and its effectiveness in patients with eating disorders . Present the history of CBT and use recent research to demonstrate its effectiveness. 
• Ageism and sexism in international organizations of the fashion industry. Describe how the fashion industry defines what it means to be “young and beautiful.” 
• Addressing sexual harassment at the workplace : the influence of organizational policies on targets’ decision to file a complaint. Explain what policies can support the target and what can prevent such decision. 
• Strategies to eliminate bias in self-evaluation reports of employees. Using research in HRM, outline the best strategies that are currently used to avoid bias . 
• Post-cancer therapy: issues and trends. Present and discuss various trends, the research behind them, and the effectiveness of different types of therapy. 
• A family history of abuse and its influence on drug use in adults. Explain how abuse can provoke addiction in the future. 
• The importance of trusting doctor-patient relationships on patient’s medication adherence and management of a healthy lifestyle. Describe how such relationships negatively or positively affect a patient’s decision to take medicine as prescribed. 
• Barriers to the acquisition of social support among young men and women veterans in the USA. Discuss mental and physical disorders as major barriers. 
• Single mothers’ perceptions of breastfeeding in public places: qualitative research. Conduct interviews to find out their opinion. 
• The impact of online learning on student’s academic performance. 
• A study of the youths’ perception of learning smartphone applications. 
• Research the issue of gender bias in college education.  
• Student’s perception of the mental health support and impact on campus. 
• Perceptions of charter school education in the 21 century. 
• Discuss homeschooling and its effect on a child’s socialization. 
• What’s the impact of cyberbullying on teenagers’ mental health? 
• How inmates perceive alternative forms of incarceration. 
• Gun violence from the perspective of victims. 
• Research bias towards video games as an art form. 
• In what ways are minorities disadvantaged in America?  
• Evaluate cooking as a therapeutic exercise. 
• Assess the link between a principal’s leadership style and the school’s rating. 
• The effect of online counseling on patients’ mental health. 
• Perception of mental health stigma among students. 
• How does gig economy re-define work? 
• The implications of freelancing in the 2020s. 
• Opinions about a 6-day work week in your community. 
• Assess the process of adaptation to working from home . 
• Conduct a research study of views on the BLM movement outside the US. 

Quantitative Dissertation Proposal Topics

Some scholars just love working with data. Are you one of them? Then you’ll probably enjoy quantitative research. If you’re into finding patterns and making predictions, here are some enticing topics:

• A study of a major city’s livability index. Choose a city and assess whether it’s well-designed or not. 
• A quantitative study of biofilms in technology. Discuss methods of using biofilms in technology. Include a list of recent advances and new tools. 
• A quantitative study of teachers’ perception of online learning . This topic prompts you to use an evaluation scale. 
• An assessment of a link between product reviews and intention to purchase. Study the effect online reviews have on potential customers. 
• Immigration and its connection to crime statistics . Analyze data on immigration to the US and the number of violent crimes. Determine the relationship between the two phenomena. 
• The relationship between obesity and occupation. Assess the BMIs of participants of different professions. Then, test the results for a correlation and discuss its implications. 
• A relationship between nurses’ knowledge of diabetes management and patient satisfaction. Assess the nurses’ knowledge about diabetes and compare the results with patient satisfaction scores. Thus, you can determine if expertise translates into better care. 
• A study of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs financial operations. With this qualitative dissertation proposal in business and management, choose a small company. Analyze its financial data pre- and post-pandemic. Include a discussion of financial management during pandemics. 
• A study of millennials ’ pet ownership. Determine the percentage of millennials who have pets. Compare these patterns with previous generations. 
• Economic growth and urbanization. Compare the empirical data about the state of economics and the number of people living in cities. 
• Determine how urbanization affects bacterial community compositions. 
• The economic impact of immigration on SMEs. 
• Study the rates of crimes in the US in relation to nonviolent crimes. 
• How do various teaching styles affect learning? 
• Compare overconfidence in CEOs of SMEs and corporations. 
• How does inclusive language influence social behavior? 
• Assess consumers’ satisfaction with online banking in your area. 
• Evaluate crude oil price prediction methods.  
• Is there a link between smartphone use and mental illness? 
• Correlation between eyewitness identification and memory  
• What are the attitudes towards AI development among women? 
• Determine the rates of cybercrimes since the 1990s. 
• A study of the police brutality cases across the US in the last decade. 
• Correlation between education level and employment. 
• The presence of sleep disorders in mental illnesses. 
• Assess the attitudes towards medical care in the US . 
• Determine the correlation between eating disorders and physical illness. 
• Study the rates of cyberbullying among minority students.  
• How various religious groups influence politics : a game-theoretical approach. 
• Does regular exercise decrease symptoms of depression in adults?  

Dissertation Topics in Educational Leadership

Educational leadership is a science focused on helping students to achieve their academic goals. It includes the motivation of staff and learners, improvement of educational programs, and creation of a healthy, productive environment in institutions. Want to dedicate your research to it? Take a look at these topic samples:

• Fatigue among American medical students. Medical students often need to memorize and analyze big portions of information. That is why many of them don’t sleep enough, get tired quickly, and find it hard to concentrate. What can be done about it?
• How did the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning affect students’ motivation? Online education has multiple benefits and drawbacks. Some students might find it easier to get access to various textbooks online. Others want to return to campus. What is their motivation ?
• Creating better learning conditions on campus : the challenges in 2022. With the increasing speed of technological progress, it is hard to catch up with the latest innovations. Explore them in your dissertation. For instance, you can focus on facilities for students with special needs .
• How can we enhance discipline among first-year students on campus? For some younger students, it is hard to get used to living on their own. They need to accept new responsibilities, find time to take care of themselves, and organize their lives. How can we help them?
• Development of soft skills among undergraduate students. For future employers, soft skills are as important as hard skills. That is why colleges need to pay attention to soft skills such as time management , communication, and creativity.
• The efficiency of workshops for enhancing students’ creativity.
• Do nutrition habits influence the studying process?
• The importance of mental health care in high school.
• What leadership styles are the most efficient in college communities?
• Does the implementation of early childhood education lead to further academic success?
• What is the role of school counseling among teenagers?
• What psychological factors make students drop out of college?
• Developing leadership qualities among MBA students.
• How to help college athletes to cope with psychological and physical pressure.
• Ways of reducing anxiety levels among criminology students.
• Helping students to choose their majors and find a career path.
• How to enhance communication between higher education administration and students?
• Motivating students to succeed after graduation .
• Why do we need psychology classes in high school?
• How can we prevent the bullying of Latin American students in middle and high school?

✅ How to Choose a Thesis Topic: Main Steps

In case you have no idea where to start from, here is a quick guideline on how to choose a Ph.D. thesis topic:

We hope this article helped you to choose a suitable topic for your dissertation. We wish you good luck with your research!

Learn more on this topic:

• Dissertation Critique: Examples, How-to Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Outstanding Dissertation
• How to Write an Abstract: Brief Steps and Structure Example

✏️ Dissertation FAQ

While working on a dissertation, you might deal with several types of research. The main research types are primary, qualitative, quantitative, and legal. In any case, it’s the way in which a researcher studies the subject using a particular methodology.

First of all, make sure that you are personally fascinated by the subject. This is essential for any thesis, be it master’s or an undergraduate dissertation. Besides, make sure the topic is feasible and hasn’t been studies much.

A good dissertation title is the one that represents the subject under study. To state which aspect is being studied is also important. The title should include neither a hypothesis nor a conclusion: think about it as “spoilers”—nobody likes them.

Just like any paper, a great dissertation is the one that is well-organized. The topic of the paper should correspond to the title. The text should have a cohesive structure with a definite introduction, argumentative main part, and a logical conclusion.

🔗 References

• Dissertation Topics 1961-Present: Rudgers University
• Completed Thesis and Dissertation Topics: University of Florida
• Current Legal Topics: Library of Congress
• The Right Dissertation Topic: Academics.com
• Days and Nights at the Museum…there’s a Dissertation for that!: Proquest.com
• Dissertation Titles: University of Michigan
• How to Pick a Master’s Thesis Topic: Medium.com
• How to Come Up With a Thesis Topic: Gradschools.com
• How to Choose Your Thesis Topic: Central European University
• How Do I Choose a Thesis Topic?: Grad School Hub
• Senior Thesis Topics: Hamilton College
• Arizona Research Topics: Arizona State Library
• Dissertation Proposal: Bartleby.com
• Dissertation Guide Essay
• How to Start Your Dissertation: 10 Top Tips: Studential.com
• How to Write a Dissertation or Bedtime Reading for People Who do not Have Time to Sleep: Purdue University
• A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Ph.D. Dissertation: ThoughtCo
• Dissertations Guide from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Developing a Thesis Statement: University of Wisconsin Madison
• Thesis/Dissertation Writing and Editing, Formatting, and Defending: Massey University
• Business Management Research Topics: Top Universities
• Law Topics: Law.com
• Psychology Topics: APA
• Marketing Topics: Marketing Profs
• Topics: History.com
• Computer Science: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Humanities: Research Topics Ideas: University of Michigan-Flint
• Art Topics: Art UK
• Topics: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Nurses Topics: Medscape
• Architecture: Research Topics: University of Washington
• Topics in Geography: Research Gate
• New Topics in Sociology: University of Toronto
• Business Management Topics: The University of Maine
• Qualitative Case Study: Science.gov
• All Topics: Science News
• Criminology: Science Direct
• Topics in Literature: Sheridan College: Libguides
• Advanced Computer Science Topics: The University of Texas at Austin
• Application of Computer Techniques in Medicine: NIH
• Important Leadership and Management Topics: WHO
• Quantitative Research: University of Southern California
• Action Research: Brown University
• 10 Traits of Successful School Leaders: University of San Diego
• HIST 280 Topics: Texas A&M University
• The Relationship Between Burnout, Depression, and Anxiety: Frontiers In
• College of Nursing: University of Missouri–St. Louis
• All Topics: Educause
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How to decide on a PhD topic

Study tips Published 5 Apr, 2022  ·  4-minute read

Whether you’re diving right into your doctorate after a master’s degree or honours year, or you’re returning to study after a few years out in the field, working out how to choose a research topic for your PhD is an essential first step. We got some tips from two of our current PhD candidates, Sarah Kendall and Chelsea Janke.

Some Doctor of Philosophy candidates are lucky. They start a PhD having already discovered their niche interest area, which means they never need to wonder how to choose a PhD topic.

Does this mean there’s something wrong with you if you don’t already have your thesis locked in?

Not at all.

Many students start their PhD journey with just a pure passion for research – a love for testing theories and making new discoveries – and figure out their specific research topic while working on their proposal . If you’re in this camp, or if you haven’t refined your thesis just yet, these tips can help you get there.

Your PhD will take 3-4 years, so it's important that you choose something you're genuinely interested in.

How to choose a PhD topic

Sarah is the first to admit that choosing a PhD thesis topic is daunting. Her thesis examines lawyers’ approaches to prosecuting and defending domestic and family violence cases, but this topic didn’t come to her overnight.

“This can be really hard,” says Sarah.

“It took me years to decide on a PhD topic, and even then, it continued to change after starting my PhD.”

Chelsea, whose research explores ways to keep soil healthy while reducing environmental impact, agrees that your initial thesis may not necessarily stay the same throughout your PhD.

“Keep in mind that, as you progress through your PhD, your topic may change as you make new findings and discover some interesting things,” she says.

“This is fairly normal and is often why PhD topics aren’t always set in stone at the start.”

Remember this if you find yourself getting frustrated with how long it’s taking to pin down your research topic. You’ll be spending significant time ( at least 3 years ) researching this topic, so it’s reasonable to take a while on this decision. Make sure you land on a topic that truly inspires you, as you’ll need that inspiration to keep you motivated for the long haul.

With that said, though, there’s nothing wrong with picking a topic you’re 99% sure of and getting started sooner. As Sarah and Chelsea both say, adapting your thesis along the way is often part of the PhD journey.

Read, read, read

Identify the things that really spark your interest and where you can find research gaps – that is, where there are still things we don't know.

Chelsea believes choosing your research topic begins with, well, research .

“Read widely on the general field that you’re interested in,” she says.

“Identify the things that really spark your interest and where you can find research gaps – that is, where there are still things we don’t know.”

Sarah agrees and acknowledges that sometimes this prior research can even translate into a separate project or even a degree.

“Do some research into the areas that interest you – this could take the form of an honours or other research project, or even a mock project that you do in your spare time,” she says.

“This will help you to decide your level of interest in the topic.”

“Remember, your PhD will take 3-4 years, so it’s important that you choose something you’re genuinely interested in.”

Consider your subjects and speak with academics

Sarah recommends thinking about the courses from your current or previous program, as these can shine a light on what aspects of your field ignite your curiosity.

“Consider the subjects that you really enjoyed in your previous studies or those topics that you find really enjoyable to just learn about in your spare time,” she says.

“Narrow this down to a few areas, even if these are still pretty broad, then talk to as many academics as possible who do research in those areas. This is a really great way of finding out more about what’s topical in the area and what a potential project could look like.”

If you already know who you’d like to be your PhD supervisor, they are the obvious person to speak with first about refining your research topic. If not, learn how to find the right supervisor .

Check for openings on existing projects

Sometimes the best way to choose a PhD topic is to let the PhD topic choose you instead. Many academics keep open spots in their research projects for potential candidates to fill, providing opportunities for students to pursue their own thesis while assisting in a larger research team. We call these earmarked PhD projects .

In fact, this is what ended up helping Sarah select her thesis topic.

“Keep an eye out for projects that are being advertised by academics,” says Sarah.

“You might find one that fits with your area of interest, saving you much of the trouble of having to decide on your specific topic – this is how I came to be doing the project I’m currently doing!”

View available earmarked PhD projects at UQ

Ready to start researching your chosen topic? Discover the next steps for your PhD application.

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History Thesis Topics: List of 69 Outstanding Ideas

Unless you plan to go for a Ph.D. in history, a thesis will be the most significant academic writing of your life. It shows your in-depth knowledge of a subject, your ability to think logically, creatively, and originally. Besides, it’s a great way to demonstrate how good your writing is.

But finding an appropriate title for your thesis is a challenging task. You may feel unsure about any idea until you see the rest of them. So, what can help you?

A history thesis topics list, of course. In this article, you’ll consider a wide variety of ideas about historical events and figures. There are some tips on picking the right one for you. With a little explanation of the basics, you’ll differentiate the Bachelor’s thesis from the Master’s one in a second.

• ☝️ How to Choose?
• ⭐ Top-12 Thesis Ideas
• 🚀 American History
• ⚔️ European History
• 🎨 Art History
• 📚 MA Thesis Topics
• 🦉 MPhil Thesis Ideas
• 👨‍🏫 Thesis vs. Dissertation

☝ How to Choose a History Thesis Topic?

Before picking a topic about history, you have to understand what you’re looking for. Take into account that you’re going to spend plenty of time writing your thesis. So, you need to find an idea that engages you and is worthy of your time. Don’t go for a random history topic that you do not feel passionate about.

Searching for an idea, follow the tips below:

• Find a topic that interests you . You’ll most probably write your thesis for a whole semester or even longer. That’s why you should determine something that doesn’t bore easily. At least those countless hours in the library will be spent with pleasure. The more the idea challenges and intrigues you, the less you’ll procrastinate and suffer from writing. No one can tell you what to write about. Your advisor can help you specify the topic, but it is up to you what to write about.
• Look for a topic that creates a trajectory for further research . You may not pursue it later, but having an opportunity to do so is a significant advantage. If you decide to pursue a further degree, you will already be familiar with the topic well. Take a look at available works in a free essays database to get a clearer picture of what can be further explored.
• Find a professor who will become your thesis advisor . Bring some thesis ideas up and see what your instructor suggests. It’s a good thing to have several research topics in mind—the instructor can help you determine the best one.
• Think beyond the graduation date . Whether you are going to start a career or continue your studies, your thesis should help you in achieving your goals. What may your employer look for in your paper? What do you need to be successful in your job or further research? It’s good to approach the issue with some level of practicality. See if you can apply the skills and information you’ve acquired to your professional life.
• Strive for originality but stay within your studies context . Try to make your title unique to grasp attention and intrigue from the get-go. At the same time, don’t fall outside the scope of your field. Before picking a topic, do some research to understand the field deeper. This way, you’ll see what exactly you would like to address.
• Make sure your title fits the requirements . Open your university guidelines for the thesis work and find this out before anything else. Ask your thesis advisor as well to give you honest feedback.

⭐ Top-12 History Thesis Ideas

• Civil War — the role of women.
• The Watergate Scandal.
• Contemporary art history.
• The Napoleonic Wars.
• Causes of World War 2.
• Impact of the Black Plague.
• The Cuban Missile Crisis.
• Japanese-American conflict.
• The Vietnam anti-war protests.
• Origins of the Great Famine in Ireland.
• The French Revolution.
• The rule of Elizabeth I.

📝 History Thesis Topics for Bachelor’s Degree

Usually, American Universities don’t require students to write a Senior Thesis. However, you still have an option to choose one. You can write a thesis as a part of your program completion. It will take a lot of time, energy, and effort. But, in the end, you will be able to produce a prime piece of academic writing.

Strive to write anywhere from 60 to 100 pages. You will also dedicate a lot of time writing and polishing it afterward. Make sure to leave enough time for that too.

What’s the first step?

Look for a thesis advisor you know you will enjoy working with. Consider all the professors you’ve interacted with at your university and pick several. Approach them and see if they are accepting new students for thesis supervision.

Make sure to choose a history thesis paper topic that your advisor knows a lot about. At some point, you will become very knowledgeable about the history thesis topic you chose. It will be crucial to have someone who can direct you.

There are several reasons why you should consider writing a thesis for a Bachelor’s Degree in history:

• It provides you with essential experience in writing, researching, and brainstorming ideas. It can later help you in your academic or professional life.
• You can deeply understand a subject that interests you.
• You can improve your reading skills.
• If you have to use foreign sources, you can also increase your foreign language skills.

Are you still wondering what historical thesis ideas are appropriate? Then, this list is perfect for you.

🚀 American History Thesis Topics

• African American history in the United States : disfranchisement and segregation in 1890-1900
• Early American History and the lost colony of Roanoke
• The construction of race in American culture and history. It’s not a secret that race is a social construct. In American culture and history, it plays a critical role. In the thesis, you will have a chance to research the mechanisms through which the race was constructed. Movies, literary representations, articles, what else? It’s up to you to find out what can be relevant.
• World War 2 through personal letters and diaries . This thesis can be personal and will not leave people indifferent. Examination of diaries, notes, and personal accounts can be fascinating. You won’t be bored doing historical research. Maybe you even have some in your own family? Worth checking it out.
• Guilt over Slavery in the United States: a historical examination
• Gender equality in American education . A comparative study of Germany, Russia, The United States
• New York City and its historical geography. NYC is one of the captivating American cities. Writing a thesis about its historical geography is not an easy task. Gladly, you have tons of information available to you.

• Rocket Science as one of the most significant innovations of the 20th century
• Examining the Role of Privilege within the Ivy League Universities
• Role of American Public Health in a Post-9/11 World

⚔ European History Thesis Topics

• Formation and development of the European Union during the 20th century
• Feminist perspective on the representation of women in Roman Art
• Religion and Nation in Europe in the 19th century
• Construction of National Identity in Post-Soviet Latvia. What did contribute to developing a national identity of post-soviet Latvia? First of all, its independence and belonging to the European Union. In this thesis, talk about colonization and colonial identity. Consider the policies Latvian government implemented to build a Latvian character. What is it? What are the essential characteristics of it?
• Composition and religious hierarchy in The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
• Representation of Jews in Late Medieval Period in Europe
• Problems of political leadership in Athens of 404-355 BCE
• The French Renaissance Court and its structural hierarchy. This topic is interesting yet complex. Its complexity comes not from the name but the nature of the French Renaissance Court. You need to have a clear idea of how the royal court is built and is operating. Find relevant historians of that time, and, hopefully, you can speak some French.
• Immigrational Politics of the United Kingdom. The problem of multiculturism at the beginning of 1960-1980.
• Orientalism or the Middle East through the prism of Western scholars in the XIX century. In this thesis, start by exploring the notion of Orientalism. Edward Said will be a good point of departure and one of the most fundamental works to cite and read. You can agree with his argument or disagree with it. Nevertheless, find the relevant evidence for your point of view.

🎨 Art History Thesis Topics

• Medicine in Ancient Rome with a focus on surgeries through paintings. This thesis topic is rich. Numerous Ancient Roman paintings depict surgeries and medical treatments. Find the most interesting ones and talk about innovations in medicine. What was the point of recording medical procedures in art? Truly a topic that can captivate anyone.
• Vincent Van Gogh: A phycological analysis of the artist’s last years . In this thesis, examine his artworks together with the personal letters. Look at the words he used, as well as the images he painted. You need it to comprehend what was happening in Vincent’s life in his last years. Some art therapists claim that the artist had bipolar disorder. Examine those views. However, be careful not to give any medical diagnosis yourself.

• Plato on Punishment and Vice: the notion of punishment in The Republic. You cannot get a degree without reading the most fundamental text of the Western Academy, The Republic . In this thesis, you should simply focus on the ideas of punishment and vice. Plato wrote a lot regarding the morals and the laws. Try to discern what exactly he meant. Extract his views regarding capital punishment and punitive justice.
• Modern Art in Europe, with a specific focus on Italy
• Trade in Medieval Europe with a focus on Africa through art
• The erotism of art of Ancient Rome
• Synthesis of sculpture and paintings in Spanish art of the 17th century
• Neoclassicism in French art of the 1900s-1910s
• Surrealism in Art as the quintessence between realism and hyper-realism

📋 History Thesis Topics for Master’s Degree

In the United States, to enter a graduate degree in history, a bachelor’s degree is required. Most of the time, students will have to submit several recommendation letters. Plus, they need GRE scores and writing samples. Add to this several essays explaining the purpose of going to university again, and there you have it.

It is common to have several completion requirements. They can include basic courses, language tests, and a master’s thesis at the end of the program. However, it depends on the department and the university.

Keep in mind that there are several credits that students should obtain to get a degree. It differs from university to university as well. In most of the programs throughout the United States, they are required to complete 30-32 credits to get an M.A. degree. This number usually corresponds to 8-9 classes.

If you are pursuing an M.A., you’re in luck. There is an excellent chance that you will be able to choose if you would like to write a thesis or not. If you are pursuing an M.Phil., then you will have to write your thesis because it’s a research degree.

No matter if you are pursuing an M.A. or an M.Phil., this historical thesis ideas can help you find a title:

📚 MA Thesis Topics in History

• Apotheosis of the Philippine Historical Political Tradition
• Kerala History: Syrian Christians in the region in the 18th century
• History of Modern India with a focus on women’s rights
• The history of theater in the American South and the main characteristics of the Southern Drama. This thesis includes a lot of aspects starting from playwriting in Charleston to drama in New Orleans. Then there are War Drama, Black Drama, etc. Try to find a good balance to fit all of the main characteristics of the Southern Drama and theater.
• New Deal and its impacts on events leading to the Great Depression
• Mistakes of the Soviet side in WW2. WWII was the deadliest military conflict of the 20th century. In this thesis, talk about the biggest mistakes the Red Army made during the war. Some of those can include signing to the Non-Aggression Pact with Hitler. Plus, there were anti-tank dogs and the Molovot-Ribbentrop Pact.

• Military strategies that allowed Napoleon to win crucial battles
• Mussolini & Hitler : connection along with its consequences for Italy
• Queen Victoria’s politics and the way it has changed British history
• The Development of Strategic Bombing Doctrine Between the World Wars
• Historical Creation of a Black Elite in the United States
• Through Imperial Eyes: Race and British Reactions to the American Slavery Question
• Gertrude Bell’s Influence in the Formation of Iraq. Gertrude Bell is a crucial figure in Islamic studies. She contributed a lot to the formation of Iraq. In this thesis, explore her unique contribution and approach to building a modern state of the country. She was highly trusted by British politicians and by Arab leaders.
• Baptist church history as a way to escape slavery

🦉 MPhil Thesis Topics in History

• Investigating the impact of WWI on trade blocks. A case study of the European Union
• Women in WWII: sexual objectification of women through magazines and advertisement. Women played an integral part in WWII. In this thesis, explore the role of sexual imagery in the advertising industry during the war.
• Sudan-American relationships in 1989-2000: US Foreign Policy and Genocide in Sudan
• Criticism of the war on drugs during the Ronald Reagan administration
• The political evolution of the Southern States during the Reconstruction Era
• Everest Expeditions in British Popular Culture, 1920-1960. Explore how Everest Expeditions were depicted in British movies. Analyze the subject via comics, journals, and visual art in the first part of the 20th century.
• Impact of Otto von Bismarck on German Liberalism

• Discrimination of German immigrants in the USA during WW2
• The Fourth International and the Spanish Civil War
• Political and economic aspects of the crisis in Venetian Diplomacy in the 1500s
• The connection between institutionalized racism and police violence in the United States. There are several dimensions to racism. In this thesis, look for a connection between structural racism and police violence in the US. Compare the numbers, look at the stories. See if this data exposes any hidden bias.
• An image of the Medieval Period in Post Modern Art
• A comparative analysis of the Four Quran English Translation. In this thesis, discuss why and how the Quran can be translated. Also, you should look at the four translations. Try to determine which one is the closest. To do that, you need to have an advanced level of Arabic.
• The psychological effect of war on American soldiers in Vietnam

👨‍🏫 Differences between a Thesis and Dissertation

Understanding the difference between a thesis and a dissertation is essential. Would you like to obtain a master’s and a doctoral degree? Then read attentively. In the United States, both thesis and dissertation are vital for this purpose.

The prominent differences that you have to realize are the following:

• A dissertation is required to graduate with a doctoral degree. A thesis is a culmination of a master’s program.
• A dissertation is written to add a new piece of knowledge to the field. A thesis is to show that you have enough knowledge about the field.
• A dissertation usually takes several semesters, sometimes even years, to complete. A thesis does not require this amount of time. It can be finished within months.
• A dissertation can be seen as an academic book. A master’s thesis is a long research paper.

Let’s see the main characteristics of a bachelor’s thesis, a master’s thesis, an MPhil’s thesis, and a dissertation:

• A Bachelor’s Thesis (honors thesis). It’s a research-based paper that allows undergraduate students to put their knowledge into practice. The paper is usually 40-60 pages long. It includes an introduction, main body, conclusion, and bibliography.
• A Master’s Thesis. It’s a piece of original scholarly work. A mater’s thesis is written under the close supervision of an academic advisor. It attempts to bring some fresh look or a new perspective to a field of study. The length of a master’s thesis can vary. Usually, it doesn’t go beyond 100 pages.
• An MPhil’s Thesis (Master of Philosophy). It’s a specific type of thesis. As it was stated earlier, most American Universities don’t grant this degree. A few schools give it under specific circumstances. Doctoral students should accomplish all the course work and pass their exams. Then, this degree can be granted to them. A more colloquial way to call this degree is “all but dissertation.” In other cases, this degree is granted to students who are doing their postgraduate research.
• A Dissertation. It’s a major piece of academic writing. It’s independent, shows critical and thinking ability. A dissertation is meant to illustrate academic knowledge, originality of work, and research skills. The length usually stays within 200-300 pages.

Any thesis or dissertation is a monumental work. Choose a topic that you are passionate about. Make sure it’s researchable and clear, but at the same time memorable. Spend time writing, proofreading, editing, and talking to your advisor about your ideas and academic goals.

Remember that it is okay to get frustrated and tired at times. If it happens to you, stop working for a bit and relax. Good luck and congratulations on your soon to be graduation! We hope this article was helpful. Share it with those who may need a history thesis topic or a piece of advice.

🔗 References

• MPhil in History: University of Oxford
• How to Pick a Masters Thesis Topic: Peter Campbell for Medium
• How Do I Choose A Thesis Topic: Grad School Hub
• Writing a Senior Thesis: Undergraduate Program, Department of History, Brandeis University
• The Bachelor’s Thesis, Bachelor EE: University of Twente
• Guidelines for the Preparation of Your Master’s Thesis: the Office of Graduate Studies and Research: University of Nebraska at Kearney
• Guidelines for Writing a Master’s Thesis for MA Degree: Jeremy Bailey, Susan Scarrow, University of Houston
• What is a dissertation? How it is different from an essay: The Royal Literary Fund
• What is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Dissertation: The Best Master’s Degrees
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120+ Easy History Research Paper Topics

History is an interesting and revealing course until you have to sort through myriads of books for a research paper. The fact that one has to read lots of books is why most students find writing a history research paper challenging. What is often more challenging is when you have to choose topics for history research paper yourself. Considering how broad history is, with many things to talk about, choosing the best topic can be confusing.

However, although history research paper writing can be challenging, you can view that challenge as a good thing. Being well-versed in history writing is a skill you will find beneficial in school and even beyond school. You may wonder how writing a history paper can help you in other areas apart from academics. When you write a history paper, you develop essential skills like critical thinking and researching skills that you’ll find useful later.

Choosing good history research paper topics is equivalent to writing a distinction-worthy paper. You often need to do a lot of reading and brainstorming to decide what topic is the best for you. If you have a history research paper due but aren’t sure how to choose a topic, we’ve got something that might help. Meanwhile, if inspiration still isn’t coming, we’ve included some topics you can use for your paper.

What Makes a Good History Research Paper Topic?

Choosing history research paper topics for college students is tough, especially when there’s a tight deadline. There are hundreds of things to write about in a history paper, but not every topic is a good fit. So, what characterizes a good history topic, and how can you know that’s what you should research?

This question is very important because what you may call quality research might be entirely different from what your supervisor sees as one. Many students get into writing research before even understanding what makes one quality. A history research paper topic is considered quality when:

• It doesn’t carry too much information; it is short but concise, direct but not telling the reader too much about the paper.
• It is specific and not generic; this helps you do in-depth justice to the paper. When you choose a generic paper, you won’t be able to provide sufficient information on each aspect. Also, you’ll be able to avoid vague arguments, and your paper will focus on specific issues and events.
• It is chosen after reading through prior literature and papers with facts and sources supporting those facts.
• You’ve considered the topic’s why, how, and what before deciding on it. You’re clear on why the topic matters, how it relates to the period being discussed, and its contemporary importance. Finally, you’ve considered the context of the history paper and why the topic mattered to people then.

Simple Steps for Choosing a Good History Research Paper Topic

The steps involved in choosing the best history research paper topics are straightforward, but it is also technical. Each step is important because it decides the level of difficulty you will encounter in the next step. When writing a history paper, the first thing to do is research; you can only get a good topic after thorough research. Then, when you’ve chosen the topic, you need to do more research on it, ensuring you focus on the topic.

If you want your paper to stand out, you must avoid choosing the too-common and easy topics. At the same time, choose a simple history topic, not a complicated one to which you won’t be able to do justice. Understand that “simple” doesn’t mean “easy;” it means unique, inspiring, and relatable. History is time-consuming, but you can choose a topic and get started with writing your paper with these simple steps.

You will need to brainstorm on at least twenty different existing history research topics to choose a good topic. Write them down somewhere you can easily access them later; you will come back to choose the most inspiring. You can also go through your history lecture notes, assignments, and textbooks; they are also good sources of inspiration.

Brainstorming can also involve liaising with your colleagues and professors for ideas for a great history research topic. For example, if there are textbooks on that topic, you can review the authors and determine whether they are authorities in that field.

Conduct thorough research on the list of topics you settled on for enough information to support crucial facts. Focus on reading as many research papers and journals related to the topics as possible. The more papers you review, the more you’ll understand the topic, and you’ll likely avoid plagiarism.

The quality of every work is always in the research process because that is where you will get all the necessary information to do a great job. At this point, you’ll sift through the topics you chose; let those with insufficient information go.

As you research your chosen topic, list salient points and outline your main and supporting ideas. You’ll also need to create a keyword list which you will use in your paper. A keyword list helps you stay focused on the topic under consideration and on the issues of your interest. Likewise, creating an outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas, making the actual paper writing easier. When you have an outline, you can always link words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and ideas with themselves. That way, you will achieve a research work that flows, making it easy for the readers to understand.

Be Flexible

As you research issues, you might want to stay flexible; expect that you will need to change topics a few times. For example, if you find that there aren’t enough supporting facts for one topic, be willing to change it for another. Also, ensure the sources you chose are reliable; you can give your professor a check to be sure.

120+ Top-Rated Topics for a History Paper

As promised, here is a list of some of the top-rated topics for a history research paper you can write. We sorted them into categories for specificity and made choosing easier for you. From US history topics to modern world history, find the best topics to make writing a great paper possible.

American History Research Paper Topics

• The origins of the civil war in the United States of America
• What role did women play in the American Revolution?
• The American Revolution: what are the global implications?
• Assimilation resistance by Native Americans: true or false?
• Who profited from the Stock Market Crash that occurred in 1929?
• How did Michael Collins contribute to space exploration?
• Did the United States benefit from the Bracero Program: how?
• How did Brigham Young contribute to the development of the West?
• The Missouri Compromise: what are the cause and effect?
• Black Panthers: what is the ideology behind them?
• What role did women play during the Great Depression?

US History Research Paper Topics for College Students

• The Red Scare: the causes and consequences
• Understanding the reasons behind the justification of the Boston Tea Party
• What contribution(s) did Frederic Douglass make to abolishing slavery?
• The Battle of Bunker Hill: what was the aftermath?
• The level of literacy in the Puritan times
• The roles played by the development of railroads in the US Industrial Evolution
• The Loyalists: what did they fight for?
• The Great Awakening: establishing its cause and effects
• Significant causes of the United States economic recession in the 1780s
• The main reasons why presidential reconstruction was a failure
• Understanding how people lived in the US in the 17th century

20th Century Interesting History Research Paper Topics

• The earthquake and fire that occurred in San Francisco in 1906
• What factors led to the Great Depression in the 1920s
• John F. Kennedy Assassination in 1963: details and consequences
• Why did Iraq invade the United States after 9/11
• Oil discovery in Persia in 1908: what came after?
• Military roles played by women in World War II
• The concept of fast foods in the early 1900s
• Women in the 20th century vs women now
• The start of prohibition in the US: reasons, causes, and effects
• Imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th century: were they justified?
• Martin Luther King’s speeches

World History Research Paper Topics

• How sports helped to promote equality for African Americans in the 20th century
• Before the 1900s: what were the gender roles in the Sioux tribe?
• The effects of industrialization on American social movements: a critical analysis
• Britain and Spain’s Battle of the Sea
• Social relationships in medieval Europe and now
• Apartheid affects children in South Africa: who suffered more, black or white?
• Bridal ceremonies in Ancient Rome vs modern-day Rome
• The Mexican-US war: a defining moment for American and Mexican relations?
• Factors that contributed to the Thirty Years’ War
• Weapon use in ancient civilizations: has it always been this bad?
• Christopher Columbus’s role in colonizing South America in 1494

Art History Research paper Topics

• Greek theatre: then vs now
• The Petrarchan madrigals in the 16th century: a thorough examination
• What impacts did expressionists make on modern art?
• The vitality of the feminist movement for modern art
• The history of Paris becoming a centre of art in the 20th century: contributing factors
• Printmaking techniques used in the world history
• Goya’s prints and French caricatures in the 19th century: what is the connection?
• The development and rise of Cubism in the early 20th century: a discussion
• How did Jay Hambidge’s ideas influence the history of art?
• Frank Stella: the contemporary artist and author
• Art history and religion

Music History Research Paper Topics for a Great Paper

• Country music: examining its origins and major characteristics
• Capitalistic perception of art in the music industry: the pros and cons
• Rational vs irrational branches of the 20th century
• Pop and folk melodies: what are the connections?
• The influence of technology on new sounds of the 20th century
• Music as a means of expression: the performer’s freedom to express
• Rock music: its aspects and styles
• Popular songs: what are their key features, and what message do they bring?
• The contribution of radio to pop songs
• How was melody developed between World War I and World War II?
• Psychedelic rock: how did drugs contribute to its development?

Ancient History Research Paper Topics

• Ancient Egyptians believe in immortality and death: an interruption in life and not its end?
• Palestine’s interesting history: in-between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea
• The Trojan horse: is it real?
• The influence of prophets and religious leaders on the perception of the spiritual world
• The culture of Sumerians: was there an intricate relationship with God?
• The Iron Age: how did it change the world?
• The role of women in pre-historic Britain
• The British Empire and Power: an in-depth study
• The many symbols in ancient Egypt
• The Great Wall of China: why was it built?
• Postmodernism history

Easy History Research Paper Topics

• Thanksgiving origins: why Pilgrims started celebrating it in the first place
• Exploring Britain’s rivalry with Spain
• England’s aversion to and the problem with poverty
• Joint-stock companies’ emergence: who profits from them?
• The role of joint-stock companies in early settling attempts
• Jamestown vs Plymouth settlements: religion and government
• African-American culture then and now
• The long-term (or immediate) influence of the American Revolution on society
• 1783 Royal Proclamation: the consequences
• Nationalism in westward expansion: Americans’ justification of their belief in Manifest Destiny
• The economic crisis that arose during the drafting process of the Constitution

Modern World History Research Paper Topics

• Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombing: was it necessary?
• What are the United States’ policies towards immigrants in the 21st century?
• Immigrant laws in the 20th century vs the 21st century: have they gotten more lenient?
• The Great American West Adjustment
• The impact of the underground railroad on the civil war
• The impacts of the Negro Leagues on baseball and society
• The battle of Chancellorsville: examining its historical background
• The Mormons’ challenges: how did they overcome them?
• What roles does religion play in a westward expansion?
• The roles Africa-American women play in art and literature
• LGBTQ rights movements and the intersection of the civil rights movement

European History Research Paper Topics

• Britain’s Royal Family
• The economic history of Europe
• Islam in Europe
• European politics in the 18th century
• Italy, Germany, and Spain’s Fascist propaganda in the 20th century
• Stalin: the influential member and ultimate leader of the Bolshevic faction of the RSDP (Russian Social Democratic Party)
• Gender bias and hunts in early-modern Europe
• Eastern Powers: their rise
• Muslim participation in European politics
• The Seven Years’ War

African American History Research Paper Topics

• Black popular music genre
• Expressing culture, race, and identity through music
• The African American Society: folktales myths, and legends
• Black intellectuals in the world
• The black women of the nineteenth century
• Racial preference
• The history of the black church in America
• The rebirth of racial liberalism and black power
• Black schooling evolution in a community
• Black aesthetic and cognition in the world
• How black music interprets the history

World War II History Topics to Research On

• The impact of the diary of Anne Frank
• The Holocaust: the targeting of millions for their political and religious beliefs
• The impact of the World War II on Africa
• The Neutrality Acts of the 1930s: US’s neutrality in WWII
• The impact of World War II on African Americans
• The Japanese-American Internment and how it affected the outcome of the Second World War
• Poland Invasion: what started World War II?
• How did World War II impact ordinary people?
• The most heroic acts of female personalities in the second World War
• What roles did black women play in the military during WWII?
• World War II and the Rights of African Americans

We’ve given you at least 120 history topics for research paper, and there are hundreds – even thousands more where those came from. That means the problem isn’t lack of what to talk about but deciding what to talk about. With the tips we’ve included in this article, you can choose a great history research paper topic. Meanwhile, feel free to use any of these topics listed if you’re still unsure of what to write.

The success of an academic paper depends on the quality of its core idea and research validity. Moreover, history is vital because we learn more about ourselves as we understand what shaped our existence. Thus, see writing your history research paper as you learn more about your heritage – and you will enjoy it. However, if the entire writing process gets tasking and you need help with any part of it, you can contact our professional writing services.

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20 winning history dissertation topics that would stand out

It might seem like every history dissertation topic that could be used has been used. Since history has already happened and people have been analyzing it for centuries and decades, students often wonder what they could actually analyze and report on for their dissertations in history. Fortunately, there are still many history topics that can be successfully analyzed in dissertations today. Here are few 15 topics that could make your history dissertation stand apart from the crowd:

• What was the role of women during the Crimean War? How did this affect future wars?
• What was the driving factor that led Napoleon to want to rule France?
• Evaluate the events that led up to World War I. Which event was the root cause of the First World War?
• Choose the words from a famous leader during a major war. Explain what those words did to help or hurt that leader’s country.
• What made the Nazis so popular in their country?
• The history of the Gaza Strip.
• 1968 in places other that San Francisco
• The continued popularity of King Henry the Eighth.
• The role of the female in British royal court
• The role of the female in colonial India.
• The demise of the City of Detroit.
• Edward the First and the Great Cause
• Route 66 and the Building of a Nation
• Robert the Bruce as an effective modern military leader
• Abolitionists and slave owner around the world
• North vs. South in the United States: Then vs. Now.
• Which American President had the biggest impact on the country?
• What makes the history between China and Tibet so volatile?
• What made a German a “good German” in World War II?
• The role of the Christian churches in World War II in Europe.

History is such a large topic that the options are practically endless. You history dissertation will need to be based on the narrowed focus that you have been studying. You will need to decide whether you want to learn about an individual country or an entire continent. You will also need to decide if you are going to pursue a topic that is closer to present day life or if you are going to back centuries. History topics are so fascinating that you might find yourself getting caught up in a topic, even if you do not play to write about it. Anyone who loves history enough to write a dissertation on a history topic will have an easy time finding many topics, but the challenge will come with narrowing down to just one.

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Research Paper Topics

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2023

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Published on: Dec 5, 2017

Last updated on: Oct 25, 2023

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When it comes to writing a research paper, choosing a good topic is the first challenge students face.

Sometimes, instructors assign a topic or provide you with a range of topics for your research paper . But most of the time, you need to come up with a topic yourself.

It can be stressful. But don’t worry, this blog is here to help!

Here, we have listed more than 300 research paper ideas for a variety of subjects. These topics can help you get creative and find the inspiration you need.  So read on!

On This Page On This Page -->

What are Good Topics for a Research Paper? 

An interesting research topic is the one that has the following characteristics:

• Specific and Clear . The topic should cover a specific aspect or question within a broader subject area. A focused topic allows for in-depth exploration.
• Original and Unique - Great research topics are original. They explore a unique angle or perspective on a subject.
• Significant - Good topics have academic or real-world significance. They contribute to existing knowledge or address a problem with practical implications.
• Relevant - Topics that are timely and related to the current issues and debates in your field of study are better for research.

Research Paper Topics for Your Academic Level

All students get research writing assignments, whether they are in high school, college, or higher. Here are some engaging ideas suitable for different academic levels.

High School Research Essay Topics

• Examine the impact of social media on teenagers' well-being.
• Assess the effects of climate change and its consequences.
• Analyze the dynamics of cyberbullying and online safety.
• Explore the influence of music on adolescents.
• Investigate the importance of financial literacy education.
• Assess gender inequality in high school sports programs.
• Examine the impact of technology on the education system.
• Analyze youth voting trends and political engagement.
• Investigate the role of video games in cognitive development.
• Assess teenage substance abuse and prevention programs.

College Research Paper Topics 

• IELTS vs. TOEFL - Discuss the similarities and differences.
• College admission policies and criteria in the United States.
• How to plan to pay college tuition?
• Elaborate on ACT vs. SAT.
• Benefits of Distance Learning.
• Impacts of China's one-child policy.
• Do college students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
• Effect of the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
• Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?

Graduate Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Operations and Strategy
• Environmental Sustainability in Supply Chain Management: Strategies for Global Corporations
• The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing Technologies: CRISPR-Cas9 and Beyond
• Financial Derivatives and Risk Management: Advanced Strategies for Portfolio Optimization
• The Role of Big Data Analytics in Healthcare: Improving Patient Care and Outcomes
• Cybersecurity Threats and Mitigation in Critical Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Analysis
• The Intersection of International Trade and Intellectual Property Rights: Trade Agreements and Dispute Resolution
• Exploring the Impacts of Climate Change on Urban Planning and Infrastructure
• Educational Leadership and School Reform in the 21st Century: Innovative Approaches and Challenges
• Theoretical Advances in Quantum Computing: Applications, Limitations, and Future Prospects

Research Paper Topics for Science & Technology

Looking for research paper ideas in your discipline? The list of topics below covers a variety of subjects and disciplines to help you out.

Research Paper Topics for Computer Science 

• Quantum Computing: Current State and Future Prospects
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Diagnosis and Treatment
• Blockchain Technology and Its Applications Beyond Cryptocurrency
• Cybersecurity in the Age of IoT: Challenges and Solutions
• The Ethical Implications of Machine Learning Algorithms
• Natural Language Processing for Sentiment Analysis in Social Media
• The Role of Computer Vision in Autonomous Vehicles
• Big Data Analytics for Business Intelligence and Decision-Making
• Human-Computer Interaction: Enhancing User Experience
• The Evolution of Cloud Computing: Trends and Innovations

Research Paper Topics in Machine Learning

• Explainable AI (XAI): Techniques and Challenges in Interpretable Machine Learning Models
• Federated Learning: Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning Across Decentralized Data Sources
• Transfer Learning in Deep Neural Networks: Methods, Applications, and Limitations
• Reinforcement Learning: Recent Advances and Real-World Applications
• Bias and Fairness in Machine Learning: Detection, Mitigation, and Ethical Considerations
• Multi-Modal Learning: Integrating Data from Multiple Sources for Improved Performance
• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): Innovations in Image Generation and Beyond
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Healthcare: Applications in Clinical Data Analysis and Diagnosis
• AutoML (Automated Machine Learning): Tools, Challenges, and Implications for Non-Experts
• Quantum Machine Learning: Harnessing Quantum Computing for Advanced Data Analysis

Research Paper Topics in Chemistry

• Green Chemistry: Sustainable Approaches to Chemical Synthesis
• Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery: Innovations and Challenges
• Chemical Analysis of Environmental Pollutants and Their Remediation
• Advancements in Organic Synthesis: New Methods and Strategies
• The Role of Catalysis in Industrial Chemical Processes
• Chemical Kinetics: Studying Reaction Rates and Mechanisms
• Analytical Chemistry Techniques for Food Safety and Quality Control
• Supramolecular Chemistry: Self-assembly and Molecular Recognition
• The Chemistry of Renewable Energy Sources
• Chemical Bonding in Complex Molecules: Insights from Quantum Chemistry

Information Technology Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Information Technology
• Blockchain Technology: Security and Privacy Implications
• Data Governance and Compliance in the Digital Age
• Cloud Computing Adoption Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises
• Internet of Things (IoT) Security Challenges and Solutions
• E-Government: Advancements and Challenges in Digital Transformation
• The Role of Machine Learning in Healthcare Data Management
• Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence: Trends and Best Practices
• Digital Twins and their Applications in Industry 4.0
• Human-Centric IT: Designing Systems with User Well-being in Mind

Research Paper Topics Environmental Science

• Climate Change and Its Impact on Global Ecosystems
• Biodiversity Conservation and Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices for Food Security
• Air Pollution Control Strategies in Urban Environments
• The Effects of Deforestation on Watersheds and Biodiversity
• Waste Management and Recycling: Towards a Circular Economy
• Ocean Acidification and Coral Reef Conservation
• Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies
• Eco-friendly Transportation Solutions: Promoting Sustainable Mobility
• Human Health and Environmental Pollution: Assessing Risks and Mitigation

Research Paper Topics for Medical Students

• The Role of Telemedicine in Improving Healthcare Access and Delivery
• Epidemiology and Management of Infectious Diseases: A Focus on Emerging Pathogens
• Precision Medicine and Personalized Healthcare: Advancements and Challenges
• Ethical Considerations in Medical Research: Informed Consent and Human Rights
• Mental Health in Medical Education: Strategies for Reducing Burnout and Promoting Well-being
• Global Health Disparities: Analyzing Causes and Strategies for Health Equity
• Advancements in Surgical Techniques and Robotics in Medicine
• The Opioid Epidemic: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Healthcare for Underserved Populations: Access, Barriers, and Innovations
• Medical Innovations in Diagnostic Imaging: Impact on Patient Care and Diagnosis

Research Paper Topics in Zoology

• The Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife Migration Patterns and Habitats
• Behavioral Ecology of Apex Predators: From Wolves to Tigers
• Zoonotic Diseases: Investigating the Transmission of Diseases Between Animals and Humans
• Marine Biology and Conservation: Coral Reefs, Ocean Acidification, and Marine Biodiversity
• The Role of Zoos in Conservation and Species Preservation
• Invasive Species: Ecological Impacts and Management Strategies
• Bird Migration and Navigation: Mechanisms and Conservation Implications
• Animal Communication and Language: Insights from Studies on Dolphins and Primates
• Endangered Species Recovery Programs: Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned
• Evolutionary Biology: The Coevolution of Predators and Prey

Research Paper Topics For Social Sciences

Are you a student of social sciences? The list of research paper topics below is for you!

History Research Paper Topics

• The Causes and Consequences of the American Civil War
• The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society and Labor
• The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire: Lessons from History
• Women's Suffrage Movements Around the World
• The Cold War: Origins, Conflicts, and Effects on Global Politics
• The Role of Religion in Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece
• The Renaissance Era: Art, Science, and Cultural Transformation
• The Development of Culture in Mughal India
• The Decolonization of Africa and Asia: Struggles for Independence
• The Civil Rights Movement in the United States: Progress and Challenges

Research Paper Topics for Education

• The Impact of Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing Learning or Distracting Students?
• Inclusive Education: Strategies for Supporting Students with Disabilities
• The Role of Parental Involvement in Student Academic Achievement
• Education and Socioeconomic Inequality: Bridging the Gap
• The Effectiveness of Online Learning: Pros and Cons
• Early Childhood Education: The Importance of Preschool Programs
• Teacher Burnout and Strategies for Teacher Well-being
• The Influence of Standardized Testing on Curriculum and Instruction
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
• Education Policy Reform: Challenges and Impacts on Student Success

Sociology Research Paper Topics 

• The Impact of Social Media on Social Interaction and Relationships
• Gender Inequality in the Workplace: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Racial Profiling and Policing: Examining Bias and Discrimination
• The Sociology of Deviance: Understanding Criminal Behavior
• Income Inequality and Its Effects on Society
• The Influence of Family Structure on Child Development
• Migration and the Social Integration of Immigrants
• Environmental Sociology: Exploring the Relationship Between Society and the Environment
• The Role of Religion in Shaping Societal Norms and Values
• Health Disparities in Marginalized Communities: A Sociological Perspective

Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Psychological Effects of Social Media Use on Adolescents
• Stress and Coping Mechanisms: Strategies for Resilience
• The Psychology of Decision-Making: Biases and Heuristics
• The Role of Attachment Theory in Parent-Child Relationships
• Mental Health Stigma: Barriers to Seeking and Receiving Treatment
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning
• Psychological Factors in Addiction and Recovery
• Cognitive Development in Infants: Theories and Milestones
• The Psychology of Happiness and Well-being: Factors and Interventions

Research Paper Topics On Media And Communication

• The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse and Public Opinion
• Media Bias: Examining News Coverage and Its Impact on Perception
• The Evolution of Journalism in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Effects of Advertising on Consumer Behavior and Purchasing Decisions
• Media Literacy Education: Preparing Citizens for a Digital World
• The Role of Media in Shaping Gender Stereotypes and Representation
• Fake News and Misinformation: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Cultural Appropriation in Media: Analyzing Its Implications
• Media and Crisis Communication: Case Studies and Best Practices
• Media Effects on Body Image and Self-esteem: Exploring the Impact of Beauty Standards

Political Science Research Paper Topics

• The Role of Political Parties in Shaping Government Policies
• Electoral Systems and Their Impact on Representation and Governance
• The Rise of Populism: Causes and Consequences
• The Influence of Lobbying and Interest Groups on Policy-Making
• Comparative Analysis of Political Systems: Democracies vs. Authoritarian Regimes
• Foreign Policy Decision-Making: Case Studies and Models
• Political Polarization: Understanding the Divisions in Contemporary Politics
• Human Rights and International Relations: Challenges and Solutions
• Environmental Politics and Climate Change Agreements
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Discourse and Activism

Research Paper Topics for International Relations

• The Impact of Globalization on International Security
• International Human Rights Law: Challenges and Progress
• Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Case Studies in Successful Negotiations
• The Role of International Organizations in Promoting Peace and Cooperation
• Nuclear Proliferation: Examining the Threats and Non-Proliferation Efforts
• Cybersecurity in International Relations: Challenges and Strategies
• Global Economic Governance: The Role of International Financial Institutions
• The Refugee Crisis: International Responses and the Humanitarian Challenge
• Climate Change Diplomacy: Agreements, Obstacles, and Climate Justice
• The Geopolitics of Energy: Resource Competition and Security Issues

Research Paper Topics On Culture

• Cultural Appropriation: Understanding the Controversy and Implications
• Cultural Relativism vs. Universalism: Debates in Anthropology and Ethics
• Cultural Expressions in Art: Analyzing Cultural Identity Through Creative Works
• Globalization and Its Impact on Cultural Homogenization vs. Cultural Diversity
• Cultural Influences on Gender Roles and Identity
• The Role of Culture in Shaping Dietary Habits and Food Traditions
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: Challenges and Strategies
• Language and Culture: The Relationship Between Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Identity
• Cultural Rituals and Their Significance in Different Societies
• Intercultural Communication: Navigating Cultural Differences in a Globalized World

Research Paper Topics for Humanities

Here are some engaging ideas for research paper topics in humanities disciplines.

Research Paper Topics for English Literature

• Exploring the Themes of Love and Desire in Shakespeare's Sonnets
• Postcolonial Literature: Analyzing the Works of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• The Role of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"
• Feminist Critique of Classic Literature: Reevaluating Jane Austen's Heroines
• The Gothic Tradition in Literature: A Comparative Study of Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley
• Dystopian Literature: Examining Social Commentary in George Orwell's "1984"
• The Evolution of Science Fiction: From H.G. Wells to Contemporary Authors
• The Modernist Movement in Poetry: T.S. Eliot and "The Waste Land"
• Literary Representations of War: Analysis of Ernest Hemingway's Works
• The Influence of Mythology in Literature: A Study of Greek and Roman Epics

Research Paper Topics for Linguistics 

• Language Acquisition: Exploring the Critical Period Hypothesis
• The Evolution of Language: Tracing the Origins and Development
• Bilingualism and Cognitive Benefits: Analyzing the Effects on Brain Function
• The Role of Gender in Language: A Sociolinguistic Examination
• Phonological Variation in Regional Dialects: Case Studies and Implications
• Language and Identity: How Language Reflects and Shapes Cultural Identity
• The Influence of Technology on Language: Texting, Social Media, and Communication Styles
• Language Preservation and Endangered Languages: Strategies and Challenges
• Syntax and Semantics: The Relationship Between Sentence Structure and Meaning
• Language Contact and Creole Languages: Origins and Linguistic Features

Research Paper Topics on Arts

• The Influence of Renaissance Art on Modern Visual Culture
• The Evolution of Street Art: From Vandalism to Urban Beautification
• Gender and Identity in Contemporary Performance Art
• The Role of Public Art in Shaping Urban Spaces and Communities
• Censorship in the Arts: Balancing Expression and Sensitivity
• The Intersection of Technology and Art: Digital Media and New Frontiers
• Art as a Form of Political Protest: Examining Contemporary Activist Art
• The Psychology of Art Appreciation: Understanding Aesthetic Experiences
• Art Conservation and Preservation: Challenges and Ethical Considerations
• Art Therapy: Exploring the Healing Power of Creativity

Research Paper Topics on Religion

• Religious Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue: Promoting Understanding and Tolerance
• The Role of Religion in Shaping Moral Values and Ethics
• Religion and Politics: Examining the Influence of Faith on Governance
• Religious Rituals and Their Significance in Different Cultures
• Secularism and Its Impact on Religious Practice and Belief
• Religion and Science: Exploring the Compatibility and Conflict
• The Influence of Religion on Gender Roles and Equality
• Religious Fundamentalism and Its Implications for Society
• Religion and Environmental Ethics: Perspectives on Stewardship
• Religious Conversion and the Psychology Behind Faith Changes

Philosophy Research Paper Topics

• The Philosophy of Ethics: Exploring Different Ethical Theories
• The Problem of Free Will and Determinism: Philosophical Perspectives
• Existentialism in Literature: A Philosophical Analysis
• The Philosophy of Mind: Dualism vs. Materialism
• The Nature of Reality: Metaphysical Approaches and Debates
• Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Decision-Making: A Philosophical Examination
• Philosophy of Technology: Ethical Implications of Advancements
• Political Philosophy: Theories of Justice and Social Contracts
• Philosophy of Religion: The Existence of God and Theodicy
• Environmental Ethics: Philosophical Perspectives on Nature and Sustainability

Research Paper Topics for Ethics

• Ethical Dilemmas in Medical Decision-Making: Balancing Autonomy and Beneficence
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Accountability and Bias in AI Systems
• Corporate Ethics: Ethical Responsibility of Multinational Corporations
• Ethical Considerations in Environmental Conservation: Sustainability and Future Generations
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies
• The Intersection of Ethics and Technology: Privacy, Surveillance, and Data Ethics
• Ethical Implications of End-of-Life Care and Euthanasia
• Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment of Animals in Research
• The Role of Ethics in Criminal Justice: Police Conduct and Criminal Punishment
• The Ethics of Whistleblowing: Balancing Loyalty and Accountability

Law Research Paper Topics

• The Evolution of Privacy Rights in the Digital Age: Legal and Ethical Considerations
• Criminal Justice Reform: Assessing the Impact of Changes in Sentencing and Policing
• Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Era: Copyright, Trademarks, and Patents
• The Role of International Law in Addressing Global Human Rights Violations
• Environmental Law and Sustainable Development: Balancing Conservation and Economic Interests
• Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity: Privacy, Data Protection, and Cybercrime
• The Legalization of Marijuana: Implications for Criminal Justice and Public Health
• Corporate Governance and Ethics: Analyzing Legal Frameworks for Accountability
• Family Law and Child Custody Disputes: Examining Best Interests and Parental Rights
• The Intersection of Law and Bioethics: Ethical Dilemmas in Medical and Scientific Research

Research Paper Topics on Criminal Justice 

• Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System: Causes and Consequences
• Police Use of Force: Policies, Accountability, and Community Relations
• Criminal Profiling and Its Effectiveness in Solving Crimes
• Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: Diversion Programs and Treatment
• The Impact of Mass Incarceration on Communities and Rehabilitation Efforts
• Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations: Advances, Challenges, and Ethics
• Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: Investigative Techniques and Legal Implications
• Juvenile Justice: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment and the Recidivism Rate
• The Death Penalty: Ethical, Legal, and Policy Considerations
• Victim Rights and Restorative Justice Programs: Balancing the Scales of Justice

Research Paper Topics on Economics

• Income Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Policy Solutions
• The Impact of Economic Globalization on Developing Countries
• Behavioral Economics: Exploring Psychological Factors in Decision-Making
• The Economics of Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
• Monetary Policy and Its Effects on Economic Stability
• Trade Wars and Tariffs: Economic Effects and Global Trade Relations
• Healthcare Economics: Examining Healthcare Costs, Access, and Reform
• The Economics of Education: Investment in Human Capital and Economic Growth
• Urban Economics: Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable City Development
• Labor Market Trends: Gig Economy, Automation, and Future of Work

Research Paper Topics Related to Marketing

• Influencer Marketing: Effectiveness, Ethics, and the Role of Social Media
• Consumer Behavior in the Digital Age: Online Shopping Trends and Decision-Making
• Brand Loyalty and Customer Retention Strategies in Competitive Markets
• Neuromarketing: Understanding the Psychology of Consumer Choices
• The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Image and Customer Engagement
• E-commerce and Marketplaces: Strategies for Success in Online Retail
• Content Marketing: Creating and Measuring the Value of Branded Content
• Marketing to Generation Z: Preferences, Values, and Communication Channels
• The Role of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Marketing
• Crisis Marketing and Reputation Management: Strategies for Navigating Challenges

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

Here are some impressive and easy research paper topics to write an extraordinary paper.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics 

• Should the Minimum Wage be Raised?
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Harmful or Beneficial?
• Is Genetic Engineering Ethical? Examining the Pros and Cons of Genetic Modification
• The Death Penalty: Should it be Abolished or Retained?
• Gun Control: Balancing Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety
• Universal Healthcare: Is it a Right or a Privilege?
• The Role of Government in Regulating Big Tech Companies
• Climate Change: Is Human Activity the Primary Cause?
• Online Privacy: Balancing Security and Civil Liberties
• The Legalization of Recreational Marijuana: Weighing the Social and Economic Impacts

US History Research Paper Topics

• The American Revolution: Causes, Key Figures, and Impact on the Nation
• The Abolitionist Movement: Strategies, Leaders, and the Fight Against Slavery
• The Reconstruction Era: Challenges, Achievements, and Failures
• The Women's Suffrage Movement: Struggles and Triumphs in the Fight for Voting Rights
• The Civil Rights Movement: Leaders, Events, and the Struggle for Equality
• The Great Depression: Causes, Effects, and Government Responses
• The Vietnam War: Origins, Controversies, and Legacy
• The Space Race: The Cold War Competition for Supremacy Beyond Earth
• The Civil War: Battlefronts, Political Divisions, and the Emancipation Proclamation
• The American Westward Expansion: Manifest Destiny, Conflicts, and Impacts on Native Americans

Persuasive Research Paper Topics 

• The Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools
• Banning Single-Use Plastics: Protecting the Environment and Marine Life
• Promoting Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a Sustainable Future
• Mandatory Vaccination: Protecting Public Health and Herd Immunity
• The Benefits of Telecommuting: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
• Promoting Healthy Eating Habits: The Case for Implementing Sugar Taxes
• The Need for Stricter Animal Welfare Laws: Preventing Animal Cruelty
• Accessible Education for All: The Case for Affordable College Tuition
• Promoting Voting Rights: Ensuring a Fair and Inclusive Democracy
• The Importance of Mental Health Awareness and Support: Breaking the Stigma

Easy Research Paper Topics 

• The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Physical and Mental Health
• The History and Impact of Social Media on Society
• The Basics of Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• The Life and Achievements of a Notable Inventor or Scientist
• The Importance of Recycling and Waste Reduction in Daily Life
• The Impact of Fast Food on Diet and Health
• The History and Significance of a Local Landmark or Historical Site
• The Role of Pets in Reducing Stress and Promoting Well-being
• The Basics of Internet Safety: Protecting Personal Information Online
• Exploring a Popular Book, Movie, or TV Series and Its Cultural Influence

Research Paper Topics on Current Affairs 

• The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Health Systems and Preparedness
• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
• The Future of Work: Remote Work Trends and Implications
• Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities
• Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding Causes and Addressing Concerns
• Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Defense
• Immigration Policies and Border Security: A Global Perspective
• The Role of Social Media in Political Movements and Disinformation
• Global Supply Chain Disruptions: Causes and Strategies for Resilience
• Racial and Social Justice Movements: Progress and Ongoing Challenges

Controversial Research Paper Topics 

• The Legalization of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Ethical and Legal Considerations
• Gun Control Laws: Balancing Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety
• The Death Penalty: Is it an Effective Deterrent or a Violation of Human Rights?
• Animal Testing: Ethical Issues and Alternatives for Scientific Research
• The Legalization of Recreational Drugs: Assessing Risks and Benefits
• Abortion: Examining the Ethical, Legal, and Medical Aspects
• Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech: Protecting Civil Liberties in a Digital Age
• Climate Change Denial: Analyzing the Science and Skepticism
• School Vouchers and School Choice: The Future of Public Education
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Safety, Labeling, and Environmental Concerns

Nursing Research Paper Topics 

• The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratios on Patient Outcomes
• Nursing Shortages: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing: Implementing Research into Clinical Care
• Nursing Ethics: Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making in Patient Care
• Palliative Care and End-of-Life Nursing: Improving Quality of Life for Patients
• Nursing Informatics: Advancements in Healthcare Technology and Data Management
• The Role of Cultural Competence in Nursing: Providing Culturally Sensitive Care
• Nursing Burnout and Staff Well-being: Strategies for Prevention and Support
• The Impact of Nurse Leadership on Patient Safety and Quality of Care
• Pediatric Nursing: Specialized Care for Children and Families

How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

Now that you have a plethora of ideas for your research paper, which one should you choose? Here are some steps you need to follow to choose a good research paper topic: 

• Identify Your Interests: Start by considering your own interests and passions. Research is much more enjoyable when you're exploring a topic you're genuinely curious about. Think about subjects, issues, or questions that intrigue you.
• Brainstorm and Mind Map: Write down potential topics or research questions and create a mind map to visualize how they connect to one another. This can help you see the relationships between different ideas and narrow down your options.
• Do Some Preliminary Research: Conduct initial research to see what resources are available on potential topics. This will help you gauge whether there is enough information and credible sources to support your research.
• Consider Your Audience: Think about who will be reading your research paper. Tailor your topic to your target audience's interests and knowledge level. You should also comply with the instructor's requirements. Make sure your topic gets approved before you begin with the writing process.
• Discuss with Others: Talk to your peers, professors, or mentors about your potential topics. They may offer valuable insights, suggest relevant resources, or help you refine your ideas.

To conclude,

Selecting a research paper topic is the first and most important step of your research journey. Your decision should be guided by your interests, the assignment requirements, and the availability of credible resources. 

With this list of potential research paper topics and tips on how to choose a good topic, you are able to select a topic that is both engaging for you and relevant to your audience.

Remember that staying current and conducting preliminary research will help you make an informed choice. Seek feedback from peers and mentors, and don't shy away from challenging or controversial topics when appropriate. 

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At our paper writing service online , we have subject specialists and research writers with advanced knowledge and expertise. They will help you craft a great topic and can help you write an amazing research paper.

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60 Outstanding History Research Paper Topics With Example

Browse the most up-to-date collection of history research topics prepared by PhDs in the field.

No Ideas on How to Write a History Research Paper? We Can Help!

Choosing the topic for any history research requires much preparatory work. This science allows you to look at a problem from dozens of different angles. Unlike some other more specific disciplines that focus in topics on the study of profile problems in history research paper topics, we can look at them all together. You can examine any historical event from an economic, political, biological, cultural, medical, social, or military perspective. Since human life in historical retrospect is affected by all of these factors and serves as triggers for different events, history looks at the impact of each aspect on the events that have passed and that have brought us to the present day in which we live.

Making a Detailed History Research Paper Outline Is Half Your Success

Leaving aside the research and effective proposal writing process itself, the success of your history research proposal directly depends on two things. Choosing an interesting and relevant topic and creating a clear history research paper outline. Experts advise you to follow the following plan in creating your paper:

• An introduction with a clear statement of your research topic
• Defining the goals you want to achieve in your paper
• Selection and analysis of relevant literature for the topic
• Main thesis and arguments
• Description of the structure (number of sections and their sequence)
• Main ideas that you will be able to support with evidence
• Conclusions based on the data collected
• List of references

A clear plan will help you stay on track and not miss important details in your paper. That’s why when you hire our proposal writing services to help with topic selection, you also get a proposal outline.

Comprehensive and Interesting History Topics to Research

The great thing about history topics is that you can research almost anything. Because the subject’s very essence is the study of the past, and it, like our modern lives, comprises millions of aspects, each of which can be the subject of your research. We suggest you look at our history research paper topics that may inspire your work on a proposal.

• The Impact of Wars on the Geopolitical Map of the World
• Comparative Analysis of Revolutions in the World
• Religious Movements and Their Role in the Formation of Culture
• The Influence of Art on Society in Different Historical Epochs
• Evolution of International Relations in the Xx Century
• Story of World Religions and Their Spread
• The Role of Women in the Past: Women Leaders and Their Influence
• Migrations and Their Impact on the Culture and Economy of Countries
• Technological Revolutions and Their Impact on Society
• Histories of Major Cities and Their Development
• Development of Trade and Trade Routes in Antiquity and the Middle Ages
• Epidemics and Pandemics in the Human Past
• The Study of the Impact of Mass Culture on Society
• Education and the Development of the Modern Learning System
• Colonialism and Its Effects on Different Countries
• Story of the Art of Architecture. Evolution From Antiquity to Modernity
• Influence of Philosophy on Political Movements
• Ethnic Conflicts and Their Historical Context
• Story of Great Discoveries and Explorations
• Revolution in Medicine and Public Health

The Most Important US History Research Paper Topics

In terms of time, the US is a young country full of various epochal events that have influenced the whole world without exaggeration. Check out these great US history research paper topics; you may find yourself a proposal topic for future research.

• The Great Immigration and Its Impact on the Formation of American Society
• The Effect of the Civil War on Slavery
• The Great Depression and Its Impact on American Culture
• Story of American Industrialization and Its Effects
• The Role of American Women in the Struggle for Voting Rights
• The Relationship Between Native Americans and the Early Colonists
• The Effect of the Civil Rights Movement on Sociocultural Transformations
• The US War of Independence and the Formation of a Unified Nation
• A Study of the Alcohol Prohibition Movement in the US During the Great Depression
• The Evolution of the US Political System
• The Role of Americans in World War II
• Details of Space Exploration and the Impact of the Flight to the Moon
• The Role of the American Press and Media in Shaping Public Opinion
• The Role of American Presidents in Shaping the Past of the Country
• The Impact of the Technological Revolution on American Society
• Investigation of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement and the Struggle for Equality
• The Influence of the American Film Industry on World Culture
• The Cold War’s Influence on US Foreign and Domestic Policy
• The Impact of Religious Movements on the US
• A Study of American Diplomacy and International Relations

Download Here More History Research Proposal Ideas!

Global history research topics that deserve attention.

World history explores the full range of interactions between countries throughout time. Studying this area allows you to discover many unknown facts and make new discoveries, effortlessly drawing attention to your project with a great proposal. These interesting history topics to research may help you to do so.

• International Organizations and Their Role in Modern World Politics
• Global Challenges of Climate Change
• Impact of Global Pandemics on the Formation of Society
• Modern History of Conflicts and Peace Processes in the Middle East
• The Impact of Cyberattacks and Cybersecurity on World Relations
• The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact on Society and Politics
• History of Terrorism and Methods of Combating Terrorist Threats
• The Impact of Cyber Intelligence and Cyber Warfare on Modern Conflicts
• Modern Historical Aspects of Migration
• Global Economic Crises and Their Consequences
• Modern Democracy in the Context of Countries’ Development
• Path of Disarmament and Arms Control
• Contemporary Problems of the World Space Program
• History of the Struggle Against Racism and Discrimination in the World
• Development of Medical Science and Healthcare
• Influence of World Financial Institutions on the Development of Countries
• International Relations and Diplomacy in the Modern World
• Risks and Benefits of Cultural Interaction and Globalization
• History of the Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism
• Modern History of Mass Media and Journalism

Using History Research Paper Example for Inspiration

On our website, you will find many good history topics to research and ready-made papers that you can refer to. It will be easier to understand how the paper should be structured, how many words you should focus on, and how to make arguments with supporting facts. Working with a history research proposal example is a great way to understand how to write a research paper. And we invite you to do it.

But note that such examples are just a tool allowing you to get a general idea of how to write a history research paper. Although a proposal is an academic paper with a stable structure, it still may have additional requirements. For example, limitations regarding the format, word count & design provided by the institution. This may differ a lot from the program, even if you create multiple proposals for one university.

Full-Service History Research Proposal Writing Help 24/7

Choosing the right history research topics is already a huge part of your success. Approach it wisely. Make sure you like the topic, it is relevant, and you have access to enough information to cover the subject. Use our world history research paper topics for inspiration. If you need more help, contact us, and we will pick the most appropriate proposal topic for your research with an outline. Or maybe you want to receive a paper made from scratch or get help with proposal editing? Our professional writers know the pros and cons and know exactly how to write a history research proposal that will impress the committee. They are also unconditional experts in PhD proposal writing, as you can see for yourself.

We are here round the clock. Just contact us and get your perfect research proposal in no time!

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The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the PhD in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Using E-Books to Get Young Readers Talking

New research shows how parents can help kids — and themselves — use e-books as a tool to improve early childhood development

Exploring Structural Oppression in Digital Spaces

Ph.D. student Avriel Epps studies how bias in the digital world impacts users across diverse backgrounds

Research in 60 Seconds: Uncovering Stories of Florida WWII Veterans Buried in France

History graduate student Marie Oury’s research examines the life and sacrifices of soldiers from World War II.

By Nicole Dudenhoefer ’17 | Video by UCF Social | November 28, 2023

Whether it’s solving the world’s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series , student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world.

Name: Marie Oury Major: History 

Why are you interested in this research? This research has many layers for me:  It links France, my home country, and Florida, where my children were born and where I live now. It explores the regions of France where French people still live with the reminders of American troops’ passage and sacrifice. It investigates World War II, a period for which many questions remain unanswered. It impacts communities in Florida, helping heal family and community wounds opened eighty years ago. But most of all, it changes UCF students who participate in this research. Once our undergraduate students start working on the biography of a soldier, they not only dive into the man or the woman’s life and learn about his/her social and economic environment, but the students also humanize periods such as the Great Depression and World War II. Through their soldier’s life, students understand the impacts of major events or periods on Florida families in a way that no historical account can. It is a powerful way for students to learn about and relate to their communities’ history.  And they learn that American soldiers still matter to in France, in the communities they died to liberate.

Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at UCF? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your research at bit.ly/ucf-research-60-form.

How did you get started in research at UCF? I started researching history at UCF with the Veteran Legacy Program (VLP), a grant program sponsored by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration (NCA). In 2018, during the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, I researched Floridians who served in World War I and who died and are buried in France in the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) cemeteries. I traveled with Drs. Amelia Lyons, Amy Giroux and Connie Lester to France to visit the cemeteries, and the Veterans we studied. This VLP program led me to work in 2022 for the Florida-France Soldier Stories project, also led by Dr. Amelia Lyons.

Who is your mentor? Who inspires you and how? Dr. Amelia Lyons took me under her wing when I started at UCF. I was not sure I would find my place in a History MA program at an American university. I came from a business background, from another country, and had not been in school for years. Dr. Lyons trusted me and gave me the opportunity to change my career path. Through her classes and the two Veterans research projects she leads, Dr. Lyons and the UCF history department taught me the techniques and skills historians need. I witnessed how she inspired her students to become better historians in every project in which I have participated; she is always looking at new ways to involve, teach, and challenge them—and expecting the best of them in return. I am very grateful to have Dr. Lyons as my advisor, and I am confident that the day I graduate, she will have prepared and equipped me very well to work as a historian.

How does UCF empower you to do your research? UCF empowered me to do research thanks to the funding, the resources, and the communication platform it provides for this project. UCF, the History department, and the UCF library offer tools, research material, support, and a nurturing environment for researchers to gather, exchange, work together, and learn from each other competencies. Such a public history project is not the result of one person; it can only be successful thanks to teamwork.

Why is this research important? This research helps students and Florida communities to remember the sacrifices men and women made during World War II. These soldiers, buried in France, had their lives cut short and left behind devastated families and communities in Florida as well as in France. In a world where intolerance and tensions grow, as in our world today, I believe it is important, especially for the young generation, to learn and reflect on the consequences of a war. Even if the fighting happened thousands of miles away, the ripple effects touched every Florida community one way or another, leaving long-term impacts we can still feel eighty years later. As time passes, fewer people will personally remember these soldiers or even say their names, but thanks to our project, we are bringing these men and women back to service and to life.

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Best Research Paper Topic On History For Students

30 Dec 2021

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❓What is a History Research Paper?

✅Unique History Research Topics Tips

History Research Paper Topics:

• 🕯️Ancient History
• 👑Middle Ages History
• 🌎World History
• 🪖WWI History
• 💣WWII History
• 🚀20th Century
• 📱Modern History
• ⚔️French Revolution
• 🏰European History
• 🗽US History
• 🎭Art History

Studying history is important. As we look to understand the things that have shaped our existence, we learn more about ourselves. Essentially, by studying our past, we re-examine human existence and all that makes up the human condition. We can reinterpret the present and avoid the errors made in the past. That said, writing a history paper can be a challenge.

One of the biggest challenges is just how many research topics for students there are. There are European history research paper topics, art history research paper topics, and world history research paper topics among many more. Knowing where to begin can be the biggest hurdle to overcome. In this guide, PapersOwl will give you a list of history topics to get you started.

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What is a History Research Paper?

A history research paper is an analysis of a historical time or event. There is usually a thesis statement or argument that the paper analyses and proves. The body of a research paper will lay out evidence to argue the thesis statement. By showing the statement to be possible, the paper might draw on new possibilities and explore new ideas.

When someone reads the paper, they will meet the thesis within the first couple of paragraphs. As they read more, they contemplate what they are being shown. They are presented with evidence to weigh, and they might find themselves wanting to know more about the topic. No matter the subject matter, history research papers present the writer's own ideas and back them up with evidence such as others' ideas.

A research paper is different from an essay. Essays are usually personal interpretations of a subject, while research papers build on ideas and evidence by experts. Though you can buy history papers , here are some unique ideas to get you started on a topic you might be interested in.

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• Deadline: July 24, 2023
• Topic: Declaration of Independence
• Language: English
• Length: 1000-5000 words
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Unique History Research Topics Tips

Choosing good history topics to research is a challenge for college students. Many students spend too much time worrying about which topic to choose  that they don't even consider that they also need to learn how to write historical papers .

The best history research paper topics are ones that have strong arguments for discussion. When searching for history research paper topics, you should consider the following:

• Is your topic relevant, and is there a clear statement?
• Is there enough prior literature on the topic?
• Can you find out enough facts with supporting sources and evidence?
• Are there enough things to consider for the thesis argument and the number of words required?

The majority of research papers require a particular style. This might be comparative, analytical, argumentative, or reflective. You might also be guided to a certain style:

• A cause and effect paper - to explain and analyze a historical event and its consequences.
• A persuasive essay - to persuade the reader to a certain way of thinking about a historical event.
• A paper to compare and contrast - two historical figures/eras/events, etc.

Now we have some background information, let's explore our list of history topics. For some of them, we have expanded the topic to give you more information.

Ancient History Research Paper Topics

Ancient history is often one of college students' favorite history research paper topics.

Here are some interesting history research paper topics before 1500.

• The view of immortality and death in Ancient Egypt - Ancient Egyptians believed that immortality and death were seen as an interruption in life and not the end of it
• The History of Palestine - Palestine has an interesting history and is defined as an area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea
• Prophets and Religious Leaders - Religious leaders and prophets have shaped how we view the spiritual world
• Did the Trojan Horse exist? - a horse that's crossed through history over 3000 years, but was it real?
• Traditions and Culture of Sumerians - Sumerian history is an interesting topic and they had an intricate relationship with God
• How the Iron Age changed the world - with iron farming tools like sickles, farmers could grow new crops and free up their time
• Prehistoric Britain and the Role of Women
• A study of Empires and Power - there are so many empires to choose from, including the British Empire and the Mongol Empire
• Ancient Egyptian symbolism - Ancient Egypt was full of symbols like the Eye of Horus
• The great wall of China - was it built to prevent internal or external threats?

Middle Ages History Research Paper Topics

When considering history topics to write about, the Middle Ages is always popular. Here are some good research topics for the Middle Ages:

• The Middle Ages and Chivalry
• Medieval Europe - the cause and effect of urbanization
• War in the Middle Ages - the changes brought about by gunpowder
• The powerful role of the House of Medici in the Middle Ages - the House of Medici was a political dynasty and Italian banking family
• Were the Crusades a just holy war or a cruel pilgrimage? - The Crusades were religious wars during Medieval times. They were initiated and supported by the Latin Church
• The changes in armor and weapons during the Middle Ages
• Scientific Progress during the Dark Ages - universities began in the Dark Ages, and so lots of progress was made in the sciences
• Middle Age Witch Trials - prosecuting the powerless
• Evolving Asia in the Middle Ages
• Religion's role in daily Middle Age life

Stuck with finding the right title?

Get plenty of fresh and catchy topic ideas and pick the perfect one with PapersOwl Title Generator.

World History Research Paper Topics

When it comes to world history topics, you have a huge scope, and narrowing them down can be hard. Here are some interesting history topics from around the world:

• The Battle of the Seas - Spain and Britain
• Aftershocks of the Cold War
• Medieval Europe and social relationships
• Colonizing South America - this began in 1494 with Christopher Columbus
• The impact of Apartheid - Apartheid negatively affected children in South Africa, but it was especially devastating for black children
• Ancient Roman bridal ceremonies
• Ancient civilizations and weapon use
• What led to the Thirty Years' War?
• Crusades and Religion
• The Mexican-American War - almost two years of fighting, this was a defining moment for US and Mexican relations

WWI History Research Paper Topics

• Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination and the triggering of WWI - Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo on 28th June 1914, which is considered to be the most immediate cause of the Great War
• The first battle of Marne and its role in preventing Germany's advances
• The use of poison gas in the battle of Ypres and its consequences
• The Treaty of Versailles - signed in 1919, was the formal end to WWI
• WWI's human cost - 9 million soldiers and 12 million civilians died during the war
• WWI's air and sea battles - a comparison
• WWI alliances
• America's involvement in World War I
• World War I and the Russian Revolution
• The Gallipoli Campaign in WWI

WWII History Research Paper Topics

• A study of the impact of the diary of Anne Frank
• The invasion of Poland and the start of WWII
• Holocaust victims - some six million Jews plus millions of others targeted for their political beliefs, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
• Africa and WWII
• The neutrality of the US in World War II - the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s
• The holocaust and the church
• Hitler’s perception in Germany during WWII
• WWII and African Americans
• WWII and Japanese-American Internment
• WWII and diplomacy

20th Century History Research Paper Topics

Of course, both WWI and WWII were in the 20th century, but there is so much more to this century than the two huge wars. Here are some history research paper topics from the 1900s to 2000.

• Northern Irish troubles in the 20th century - typically dated from the end of the 60s to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, but there have been episodes of sporadic violence after
• The Cuban missile crisis (also known as the October Crisis of 1962 or the Caribbean Crisis) - just over one month of confrontation been the Soviet Union and the United States
• The Chernobyl disaster
• The aftermath of WWII
• The Nuremberg Trials
• The formation of the European Union
• The controversies and legacy of François Mitterrand
• El Salvador and civil war consequences
• Student revolts of 1968 - student demonstrations in Belgrade, Yugoslavia - the first mass protests since WWII
• The invention of the Internet and the PC

Modern History Research Paper Topics

Modern history also encompasses some interesting research topics. These include:

• American History of the 21st Century
• The atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima - two nuclear weapons were detonated by the US in August 1945, killing as many as 226,000, with most being civilians
• Europeans Vs Native Americans
• America's social movements
• Industrialists and inventors of the modern world
• 21st-century US policies and immigration
• Social movements and the effects of industrialization in America
• The cost of industrialization in the U.S.
• The European Union - currently 27 member states and 447 million inhabitants, the beginnings of the EU data to post-WWII
• Socio-economic developments and gender inequality

French Revolution Topics

If the French Revolution interests you, here is a list of research topics.

• Causes of the French Revolution - there were many causes, which included social inequality, tax burdens, and a financial crisis
• The French Revolution and absolutism
• The effects of the French Revolution on modern France
• The role of the French Revolution in world history - the French Revolution shaped modern nations showing how the inherent will of the people can prevail
• Societal transformation after the French Revolution
• The influence of Robespierre in the French Revolution
• The French Revolution and music - the French Revolution had a huge influence on music and French operas
• Olympe de Gouges and the French Revolution
• A Tale of Two Cities and the French Revolution - the French Revolution is a key event in Charles Dickens's novel
• The French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte's betrayal

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European History Research Paper Topics

There are many argumentative research paper topics for European History. Here are some examples:

• Britain's Kings and Queens - the British monarchy began following raids by the Vikings, and Alfred the Great assumed the title of "King of the English"
• History of the European Economy
• The Seven Years' War
• 18th-century European Politics
• The rise of fascism
• Francisco Franco and the far right in Spain
• Fascist propaganda in Italy, Germany, and Spain in the 20th century
• The merge of science and art in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries
• The rise of Stalin - Stalin was a student radical and became an influential member and ultimate leader of the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party
• English Witch hunts and gender bias - gender played a huge role in witch hunts in Early-Modern Europe, and even the Catholic Church believed women were more prone to demonic possession

US History Research Paper Topics

American History topics are always interesting, and there is usually lots of evidence and sources to help you write a good research paper .

For anyone interested in US History, these American history research paper topics for college students are great ones to get stuck into:

• What led to the USA civil war? The American Civil War is one of the most written about and studied parts of U.S. history
• History of US elections
• Social Conflicts in the American Revolution
• The US Federalist Era
• African-Americans in the civil war
• Segregation and Racism in the United States - African American history research paper topics are always an interesting read
• The first Native American civilizations
• The American Civil War and the distribution of wealth
• The 1992 Riots in Los Angeles - lots of lootings, civil disturbances, and arson in April and May 1992 due to the LAPD using excessive force when arresting Rodney King
• The Impact of Barack Obama

Art History Research Paper Topics

When many people look for history research paper topics for middle school, they like to combine it with another subject they are studying, like art. Some people also write about music history paper topics . Here are some historical topics that are on the subject of art.

• Art History Vs Art Studio
• US art history and politics
• Frank Stella's life
• Art and war
• Links between philosophy and art
• Symbolism in the paintings of Frida Kahlo
• Salvador Dali and his surrealist sculptures
• Gothic architecture
• Women and beauty standards in the Renaissance
• The differences between art deco and art nouveau

Having the freedom to choose an essay topic can be both exciting and daunting. It is a huge challenge and responsibility. Hopefully, though, one of our research paper topics 2023 will help set you off on the right path to producing a great essay!

Remember that writing a history research paper is different from writing an essay. With this type of essay, you need to combine your own ideas with the ideas of historians and researchers before you come up with a supporting argument to a thesis. While you might choose any one of our ideas above, you should always bear in mind that you'll need to find sources and evidence to use in your research paper. If you find a topic that is too difficult to find enough information on, it might be that you should choose a different slant or a different topic altogether. You should never leave this sort of paper until the last minute before the deadline. A research paper takes time and effort and done right, is a really satisfying assignment to hand in. If you find yourself in need of assistance, consider looking into research paper writing services , as they may be able to provide additional help and guidance. Good luck!

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I’ve worked for the past eight years as a content editor, creative writer, and professional essay writer. Every day, I work hard to make sure my clients are satisfied with the projects and papers I write for them. My areas of expertise are wide, ranging from Psychology and Sociology to Political Science and World History.

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » History » History Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research Ideas

History Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research Ideas

Mark Jun 23, 2020 Jun 20, 2020 History No Comments

Since history has already happened and people have been analysing it for decades and centuries, it does not mean that any topic can be selected for history dissertation. Choosing the right history dissertation topic is critical considering what can be actually analysed and reported. Fortunately, we have developed a list of history dissertation topics, which […]

Since history has already happened and people have been analysing it for decades and centuries, it does not mean that any topic can be selected for a history dissertation. Choosing from the right history dissertation topics is critical considering what can be actually analysed and reported. Fortunately, we have developed a list of history dissertation topics, which can be selected for your research, dissertation, and projects.

The list of research topics in history is developed to help out students in finding an interesting topic for their dissertation. Once the project topic on history is selected, we can help you in completing your research according to your requirements and needs. Go through the list of history research topics presented below, select a topic, and allow us to help you.

List of History dissertation topics

A critical analysis of the events responsible for a revolution in America.

Analysis of the French revolution considering the triumph of romanticism.

Studying the impact of popular culture on Evangelical Christians in North America.

Exploring the impact of religion on innovation.

A literature review on the history of Bazaars in Eastern countries.

The evolution of advertising and marketing in the UK.

A comparative review of the history of Canada – political analysis.

An analysis of the history of public health – the case of the UK.

A historical analysis of the social business enterprises – looking back to look forward.

A comparative review of history and social science framework – a country analysis.

Studying the importance of teaching history in elementary schools.

How history helps in exploring the future of a country?

Exploring and analyzing the five decades of mathematics education research.

Investigating the main causes of the Boer War.

To study the impact of the slave trade on the European economy.

A literature review on the feudal system.

The consequences of a cold war on the world.

A literature review on the idea of communism and its impact on the world.

Investigating the factors related to the colonization of America.

Studying the Desert Shield Operation in the context of the Gulf War.

To analyze the origins of the European Union.

Exploring the idea of class-based colonies.

Impact of the Great Depression on the economies – a comparative review.

Studying the role of women in Colonial America.

A critical analysis of the reality about the west – differentiating between the myths and reality.

Topic With Mini-Proposal (Paid Service)

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STEM PhDs with disabilities are underpaid and underrepresented in U.S. academia

New research from the disability health research center reveals significant pay disparities among stem phd holders across all employment sectors.

By Hub staff report

New research from the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center at the School of Nursing suggests that PhD graduates in science, technology, engineering, and medicine in the U.S. who were born with disabilities or became disabled before age 25 earn $14,360 less per year in academia than those without disabilities. They are also underrepresented at higher faculty levels—such as deans and presidents—and in tenured positions, according to the study published Nov. 27 in Nature Human Behaviour .

"We're identifying the barriers to inclusion so we can dismantle them," says Bonnielin Swenor , an author of the study. Swenor is also a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and founder and director of the center. "Combating the disparities will take structural transformation."

Previous research has revealed pay disparities and unequal representation in STEM for women and underrepresented racial minorities in the U.S.; research has also identified that scientists and engineers with disabilities, regardless of the age of disability onset, are more likely to be unemployed than the overall U.S. labor force. However, data on disparities for STEM doctoral recipients with disabilities have been lacking.

Swenor and colleagues examined evidence for differences in salary and representation of STEM PhD grads with disabilities before 25 years of age and those with disabilities at 25 years of age or later, compared to doctorate recipients without disabilities. The authors used national data on nearly 1.15 million U.S. research doctorate recipients who received degrees between 1973 and 2017. Of their sample, 704,013 individuals were still working in STEM, including 36,807 individuals who reported disabilities experienced in later life and 20,544 people who reported disabilities from early in life. Within this subset, they matched individuals by socioeconomic background, job, and degree-related characteristics.

Across all employment sectors, STEM PhD graduates with disabilities earned $10,580 less per year than their counterparts without disabilities, and in academia, they earn $14,360 less. The authors also found those with disabilities were underrepresented at higher faculty levels, such as deans and presidents, and in tenured positions. The authors call for structural transformations to combat these disparities.

"The Disability Health Research Center aims to shift the paradigm from 'living with a disability' to 'thriving with a disability' and uses data-driven approaches to drive change in many sectors, including in STEM," Swenor says.

Today more than 27% of American adults have disabilities , and yet people with disabilities still face many barriers to health, equity, and inclusion.

The study authors include Franz Castro , a research associate at the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center; Elizabeth Stuart , chair of the Department of Biostatistics at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Jennifer Deal , an associate professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health; and Varshini Varadaraj , a research associate at the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Center.

Posted in Health

Tagged school of public health , school of nursing , disability health research center

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Six students use computing power to tackle complex problems

Guillermo "Willy" Prado, center, the University's interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, recently met with doctoral students who were awarded the Provost Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Computing. Photo: Joshua Prezant/University of Miami

By Janette Neuwahl Tannen [email protected] 11-30-2023

One project could help medical researchers understand communication in the brain. Another looks to uncover key attributes that may help forecasters determine when a tropical disturbance is likely to become a major hurricane.

These are the goals of just two of six graduate students at the University of Miami who recently were awarded the first Provost’s Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Computing. Each student is exploring a different way they can use advanced technology to improve our world.

Open to full-time doctoral candidates in their first, second, or third year of study, the fellowships were designed for students whose research involves computational science, data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence, and who are applying these methodologies to advance knowledge in their chosen subject area. The awards include a generous stipend that will allow these students to focus on research projects, and ideally, to garner external grant funding for their work.

“You all represent the very best students working in computing across the institution, and we are very glad to offer you this fellowship for the very first time,” said Guillermo “Willy” Prado, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

The fellowships are one part of the Computing at UM initiative, which falls under the University’s strategic plan, the Roadmap to Our New Century . 

The awardees of this initial fellowship include:

Jieming Bian , a third-year doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, is trying to create a machine learning model that will allow hospitals to share deidentified patient data. Ultimately, the goal is to help create stronger AI diagnosis tools that can assist physicians to offer more efficient and accurate diagnoses. Bian is working under the mentorship of Jie Xu , an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Will Downs , a third-year doctoral student in atmospheric sciences, is poring over 20 years of datasets from the National Hurricane Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that track tropical disturbances across the world. Using deep learning techniques, Downs is hoping to identify key components that lead these disturbances to form into tropical cyclones and major hurricanes. His advisor is Sharan Majumdar , a professor of atmospheric sciences. 

Nicolas Echevarrieta Catalan , a second-year doctoral student in computer science, is hoping to create a tool that can help diagnose cancerous tissue more efficiently. He is starting with breast cancer—the most common type of cancer worldwide. But he said that he hopes that this deep learning tool, which will be able to detect cancer cells at a microscopic level, also could identify the locations of malignant tumors—in a more effective and fast-paced process that could help reduce wait times for treatment and ultimately prevent the spread of cancer. His advisor is Vanessa Aguiar-Pulido , assistant professor of computer science.

Danae Stephens , a third-year doctoral student in marine biology and ecology, is working to identify new interactions between giant viruses and the smaller virophages that attack them in the genomes of tiny organisms called protists. Her work involves using bioinformatic tools to process huge gene sequences of more than 600 microorganisms, so high performance computing is critical for her research. Stephens’ work “holds the promise to revolutionize our comprehension of viral complexity in nature,” wrote her advisor, Mohammad “Monir” Moniruzzaman , an assistant professor of marine biology and ecology.

Jieyuan Tian , a third-year doctoral student in computer science, is hoping to create a noninvasive way to record brain signals deep within the body’s most complex organ. Toward that goal, he is developing a nanoparticle that could be injected into the brain to record and stimulate deep brain activities. Currently, the only method able to do such firsthand brain research involves placing needle-like probes into the brain. However, Tian is using extremely tiny magnetoelectric particles, paired with a computer program to read and record brain signals, to create this method. He is hoping this will increase our understanding of the brain. Tian’s advisor is Sakhrat Khizroev , the Victor P. Clarke Endowed Chair Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Pragatheeswaraan “Prag” Vipulanandan , a second-year doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, wants to find ways to slow down the proliferation of misinformation on the internet by analyzing data with AI tools. To do that, he is working to quantify the uncertainty in data and in AI-generated predictions, so that end users can assess the reliability of their AI-generated results. He is working with Kamal Premaratne , a professor of electrical and computer engineering, as well as Dilip Sarkar , associate professor of computer science.

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The Harvard Gazette

Hope for progress survives terror and war, new study finds wide gap in sat/act test scores between wealthy, lower-income kids.

National & World Affairs

Panelists Tarek Masoud (from left), Amaney Jamal, David Makovsky, Khalil Shikaki, and Shai Feldman at Klarman Hall.

Photos by Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer

Can the Israelis and Palestinians find peace? Scholars discuss — and debate — long history of conflict, prospects for a durable accord

By Christina Pazzanese Harvard Staff Writer

Date November 22, 2023 November 27, 2023

So what exactly makes Taylor Swift so great?

Good genes are nice, but joy is better

Headache or sore all over after bad night’s sleep?

Scholars revisited the long history of Israel-Palestine conflict leading up to the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas and weighed potential steps toward peace before hundreds of Harvard community members at a recent Klarman Hall event.

“We’re here because of dead civilians, Jewish and Arab,” said moderator Tarek Masoud, faculty chair of the Middle East Initiative and Ford Foundation Professor of Democracy and Governance at Harvard Kennedy School , which co-hosted the Nov. 20 discussion  with Harvard Business School .

The third such gathering convened by the Middle East Initiative in recent weeks, the event, which unfolded as Israel and Hamas negotiated a cease fire and hostage deal, was an attempt to share scholarly expertise with students so they can make better sense of the crisis and perhaps contribute to a solution, Masoud said. Srikant Datar, dean of the Business School, urged attendees to approach the talk “with open-mindedness and a commitment to empathy and learning.”

"If violence were going to solve this conflict, it would have already," said Amaney Jamal (center), dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

It’s important to separate the terror unleashed by Hamas from the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, said David Makovsky, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who served as senior adviser to the State Department’s Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations from 2013 to 2014.

“This was a deliberate decision by the Hamas leadership to do [these] atrocities,” he said. “The people of Gaza did not commit these atrocities.”

Hamas chose to attack at a moment when its leadership believed Israel had been weakened by internal strife over the overhaul of Israel’s judiciary by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Makovsky. Another key factor was the worry that a normalization pact between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be “game over” for the terror group, leaving Hamas isolated from the other Arab nations that had struck accords with Israel.

Panelists agreed that Hamas members are terrorists, not freedom fighters. They also agreed that Netanyahu has used Hamas in the past to help thwart peace efforts.

“The current Israeli government, led by Netanyahu, is the same government that has been trying for most of the last 16 years to create conditions, or to support conditions, that have essentially prevented any progress in that direction,” said Khalil Shikaki, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah. “Hamas was very instrumental in providing that kind of environment.”

At times, Masoud politely refereed passionate disagreements among the scholars over who did what during the decades that precipitated this crisis, further underscoring the enormous challenge facing those who wish to engage in reasoned debate on the subject.

On what the way forward looks like, the panelists were uncertain.

For Netanyahu, success in the short term would be to eliminate Hamas’ fighting and governing capacity and to free the hostages held in Gaza, said Shai Feldman, a professor of Israeli politics and society at Brandeis University. But eventually, the Israeli people will force a “major reckoning” internally about the policies and strategies the prime minister and his allies adopted.

Asked what role the international community can play to facilitate peace, Feldman said that if Hamas is defeated, perhaps a regional coalition made up Egypt, Jordan, and/or Saudi Arabia could temporarily take control in Gaza and make an effort to rejuvenate the Palestinian Authority, which was pursuing a two-state solution with Israel before Hamas rose to power in 2006.

“If violence were going to solve this conflict, it would have already,” said Amaney Jamal, dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and a daughter of Palestinian immigrants. “I would rather see our policies and efforts and the Palestinian Authority … make the message of peace and reconciliation far more attractive than any other message.”

She added: “This starts with people seeing tangible changes on the ground, but also political leaders to step up and sanction their leaders when they’re espousing violence and vitriol and hatred and the dehumanization of the other. We have been victims of this conflict since we were born. We would love to turn the page and be able to live with peace and dignity as Israelis, as Palestinians.”

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Analysis of the Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank

My research, funded by the Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program (REAP) in the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, consisted of an analysis of the recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) that occurred March 10, 2023. SVB was the sixteenth largest commercial bank in the United States and was headquartered in the region of Silicon Valley located in Santa Clara, California, catering mostly to technology-based customers. The banking sector generally follows a similar trend to the rest of the economy, in that if the economy is on a downturn, so is banking and vice versa. When SVB collapsed, consumers lost confidence in banking which increased fears of a recession.  

I created a research plan which included gaining background knowledge on the bank from its founding to its collapse, writing a history section, conducting an empirical analysis, and communicating my findings in a full-length report. My research shows that the collapse of SVB has allowed the Federal Reserve to reevaluate policies and procedures to detect signs of danger more efficiently and include more regulation of regional banks. This research is significant in the finance and business world as a whole because it allows people to understand warning signs for big banks on the brink of failure and to how to avoid similar disasters in the future.

Background and History

To gather information about the bank, I centralized and cross-referenced news articles from places such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times that were published about the collapse and highlighted the bank’s history as well as the environment of the bank during the collapse. The news articles helped to craft the story of the bank’s beginnings to understand why Silicon Valley Bank failed and not other vulnerable firms such as similar midsized commercial banks like Citi Bank.

One of the bank’s major downfalls was its customer base, coming mostly from risky technology startups, and its large number of uninsured deposits which made the bank’s vulnerabilities more prominent. The collapse was years in the making with causes for concern starting in 2019 and worsening as time progressed. The state of the economy accelerated the bank’s failure as their main exposure came from rising interest rates that the Federal Reserve was pushing to combat record high inflation. Prior to the rise in interest rates, the bank had extra cash on hand and bought ten-year US Treasury bonds to grow their money securely. The rise in interest rates made it so the bonds were not worth as much as the bank originally paid for them, and the bank incurred a great deal of losses.

In my report, I showcased relevant events in SVB’s history such as the bank’s nationwide and global expansion, the burst of the dotcom bubble, as well as attempts at customer diversification. I also included some of the outside factors that accelerated the bank’s failure such as social media which increased consumer’s fear of the bank failure and preconceived notions about the bank including analysts’ forecasts. Before the collapse, the bank had a positive reputation in the startup tech industry and its failure shocked the banking sector with multiple other banks failing soon after SVB. Today, the banking sector is trying to navigate the impacts of the failures and adapting to new policy changes. Examining the foundation of the bank helped me understand what changed in the years prior to the collapse and how to avoid similar situations in the future.

Empirical Analysis and Event Study

After crafting the history portion of my report, the second part of my project was an empirical analysis that included an event study where I created various tables and graphs.

Figure 1: Using a ratio of SVB’s loans to deposits, which is a ratio for liquidity, the figure shows low liquidity at the time of failure and became one of SVB’s main exposures as their assets were not easily convertible to cash.

For the event study, I used CRSP and Eventus, two financial databases that helped to collect historic stock market returns for specified dates, and I was able to assess stock price reactions to major SVB event days for a sample of eleven competitor firms. I established event days by locating days with significant, negative SVB stock market returns as well as days where a negative announcement pertaining to SVB occurred; and the sample of competitors was determined by finding banks of similar size and type. As soon as the event days and competitor firms were finalized, the returns for SVB were compared to the mean returns of the competitors. Then, I determined if the events SVB experienced were based upon the bank’s wrongdoings or a result of the rest of the sector’s performance.

Figure 2: The ratio between cash and total assets shows how much a company’s assets consist of cash and short-term investments. SVB saw a significant peak in 2020 where they had excess cash and a sharp decline after that indicating that most of their assets did not consist of cash.

Coupled with the event study, I created a culmination of figures and tables to compare SVB and the competitors’ financial information over time to help craft a timeline of the collapse. To create the tables and graphs I used Stata software. Because Stata has a learning curve, especially for someone who has never used it before, it took some time to learn the functions so I could use it in its intended manner. After I became comfortable with the software, I was able to create tables and graphs that showcased SVB and the competitors’ cash, total assets, long term debt, liabilities, deposits, loans, and liquidity to get a sense of the abnormality of SVB’s financial information leading up to the collapse.

Some tables and graphs just showed SVB’s financial information over time while others showed the competitors, Silicon Valley Bank, and First Republic Bank, which was a competitor that collapsed soon after SVB. The tables and graphs revealed SVB’s main exposures such as a low level of liquidity, meaning their assets were not easily convertible to cash, compared to its competitors (Figure 1) and a stark increase in the ratio of cash to total assets in 2020 (Figure 2). Through analysis it became clear when the bank started seeing trouble.

The bank’s history, the event study, and the tables and graphs helped me generate an explanation as to why Silicon Valley Bank failed. Despite the collapse being years in the making, remiss supervisory from the Federal Reserve and SVB’s leadership made it so the bank was very vulnerable during a volatile time for the economy. Increased supervisory from the Federal Reserve needs to be practiced in the future which would include more frequent regulatory check ins for rapidly growing banks and their leadership as well as policies that provide support to banks in danger of collapse. The recent failure of multiple midsized banks has put the effects of high inflation and high interest rates into perspective leading to heightened concerns for a recession among consumers. Through improved policy, events similar to the collapse of SVB can be mitigated or prevented for the future.

With the conclusion of my research, I gained insight into myself as both a student and a researcher which includes how I time manage, communicate, and take initiative. I have expanded upon those skills, and they will translate into the rest of my education and into my career post-graduation. This project has opened my eyes to many research opportunities that I am avid to learn more about and to continue researching different topics in finance.

I would like to thank my mentors Stephen Ciccone and Steve Irlbeck for their guidance and support throughout my project. I would also like to thank the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research for awarding me a Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program (REAP) grant as my experience has deeply impacted my education thus far. And lastly, I would like to thank Mr. Dana Hamel and Ms. Kathryn Early for funding my research.

Author and Mentor Bios

Melanie Yelle is a sophomore from Easton, Massachusetts majoring in business administration with concentrations in finance and information systems and business analytics. She is also minoring in dance. Melanie is a proud member of the Paul Scholars Program at the University of New Hampshire. As a student in Paul College, she did not have to start taking option classes right away, and she took advantage of the chance to explore her interest in finance by applying to the Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program (REAP). During the experience, Melanie learned that Silicon Valley Bank failed not only as a consequence of its own errors, but also due to a lack of oversight from the federal reserve. She chose to submit her research to Inquiry to publish her completed work and share her insights with students of other disciplines. Melanie hopes to become a financial analyst, but at the moment she knows there is a lot left for her to learn before embarking on her career. Pursuing her interest in finance through this research gave her new skills that will improve her internship and job application process.

Stephen Ciccone is an associate professor of finance in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire . He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in finance from Florida State University. He is a certified public accountant, formerly employed by Arthur Andersen. He has been a professor at the University of New Hampshire since 2000 and chaired the Accounting and Finance Department from 2013-2022. Among his research interests are stock return properties, analyst forecasts, and behavioral finance.  

Steve Irlbeck is an assistant professor of finance in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. His current research interests are in empirical corporate finance. Dr. Irlbeck obtained a Ph.D. in finance in 2020 from the University of Iowa. He has experience teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in corporate finance, investments, risk management and insurance, and microeconomics.  

Copyright © Melanie Yelle

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