Finding schools with solid programs in X field of study

[decidedly undecided]

Please forgive me if I've overlooked something in my search of the site, but I'm having some difficulty finding what I'm after.

Is there any thread--here or elsewhere--that might give me an idea as to what schools have reputable* PhD programs in Modern Spanish History? Or is the best route to discovery scrolling through the university websites? I'm just beginning to seriously look into grad school and am at a bit of a loss as to where to start. 

Many thanks in advance.

*vague term, I know.

[NoirFemme]

First I'd ask you if you're reading books by current scholars in modern Spanish history (and your particular field of emphasis). If you're not, then you need to get books and see where the authors teach.

I hesitate to say this, because getting a PhD from Yale or UCLA is a big deal; however, you're going to be looking at the schools that have established faculty in your field of study (say you study Spain during Franco years, nationalism, and queer studies...it'd be foolish to only aim at top tier schools if nobody is doing the research on any aspect of this).

So in a nutshell, yes, you are going to be scrolling through the websites--not only to look at the faculty, but current grad students, and completed dissertations. 

Have you also thought about studying in Spain? Or overseas in general? You might find stronger programs over there.

Edited May 5, 2016 by NoirFemme

[decidedly undecided]

Thanks for the reply, it definitely gives me plenty to consider. I've been out of school for quite a while, so the obvious does not seem quite so... obvious. 

Unfortunately, studying outside of the US isn't an option at the moment (family considerations). 

[Quickmick]

Most subjects have a society of some sort (this might be helpful to you: http://asphs.net/) maybe poke around the directory a bit. It also has a cache of past conferences where you can leaf thought and see who presented what.

good luck!

[mvlchicago]

Have you spoken to your advisors from undergrad? Depending on how long you've been out, they might have some useful advice about what programs should be on your radar. Reputation only goes so far as the quality of your instructors and their networks are involved.