Historical study remains an important part of the modern world. Analyzing the past provides useful guides to follow as well as context for historical events. Historical research methodologies students learn how to assess historical information, organize it and deliver accurate summaries of the information learned.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.