Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with at least a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Although getting a degree in history isn't required, it is helpful. You should also have grades in your history classes of B+ or higher.
Take the GRE (graduate record exam) and score at least an 1100, with a 600 in the verbal portion and 500 in math. If you fail to do this, take the test again.
Select five or six schools whose programs interest you. You should divide them into two groups. The first would be those that you have a strong desire to attend, but are more competitive. The second include those that are less competitive, but less prestigious. The latter will be your backup schools.
Request an application and financial aid package from the schools to which you have chosen to apply. They will require you to submit a sealed copy of your transcripts from your undergraduate university as well as copy of your GRE scores.
Choose from the pool of schools that you were granted entry. Contact a graduate student adviser from the university, talk to them about your area of interest and decide if the school fits your needs.
Select a school to attend. Meet with your adviser to select your coursework and to get some ideas on your thesis topic.
Complete your coursework and written assignments. Some graduate programs have a language requirement. You will also most likely have to write a thesis and defend it before a committee, although some colleges will also allow you to take a comprehensive examination in lieu of a thesis.