See UCLA's minimum requirements for all graduate program applicants.

In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit a statement of purpose and a writing sample. Applicants normally are expected to hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in history from an accredited college or university, with at least a B+ average in upper division coursework. For applicants to the Ancient field, demonstrated proficiency in ancient Greek and Latin is expected. For applicants to the European field, demonstrated proficiency in at least one foreign language (usually French or German) is expected; prospective students are strongly urged to have proficiency in two foreign languages.

Applicants who have had a year or more of graduate study at other institutions should have attained a grade-point average of 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) if they wish to work toward the Ph.D. degree.

Admissions are limited to the number of openings each year in the field in which the applicant expects to specialize. Applicants are urged to correspond with a member of the History faculty in the field in which they intend to work.

Students are expected to work in the field for which they are admitted. A change of fields after admission requires approval of the relevant admissions committee.