Johns Hopkins University (often abbreviated as Johns Hopkins, Hopkins, or JHU) is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins was the first U.S. university based on the European research institution model. The university is named for its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur and Quaker philanthropist Johns Hopkins. Hopkins' $7 million bequest to establish the university was the largest philanthropic gift in U.S. history up to that time.
The Johns Hopkins University History Department in Baltimore, MD, stands as a globally recognized and leading center for historical study. Renowned for its rigorous academic approach and influential research, the department provides a comprehensive exploration of the past. Featuring a diverse faculty covering a wide array of historical periods and geographical regions, it places strong emphasis on critical thinking, analytical skills, comparative reasoning, and understanding global connections. The department offers robust programs for undergraduates and is home to the oldest PhD history program in the United States. Students benefit from access to extensive university resources, including the comprehensive Sheridan Libraries. Consistently ranked among the top nationally, the department holds particular strength in areas such as African American, US Colonial, and European history.
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