Dr. Jacob Soll

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Jacob Soll. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Jacob Soll is a University Professor at the University of Southern California, specializing in history and accounting. He received his B.A. in History from the University of Iowa, a D.E.A. from École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris, and a Ph.D. from Magdalene College, Cambridge University. Among his numerous prestigious awards are the NEH Fellowships, Jacques Barzun Prize, and the MacArthur Fellowship in 2011. Soll’s seminal book, "Publishing ‘The Prince’" (2005), explores the transformative impact of editors and publishers on Machiavelli’s seminal text, highlighting its influence on modern political thought. His research interests include the intersections of information, knowledge, and political history, as well as the impact of libraries on the formation of the modern state. Additional works include "Information Master," focusing on Louis XIV’s minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert, and ideational investigations into economic policy and agricultural society. With a rich academic background and significant fellowships, Soll continues to contribute to intellectual history, financial accountability, and the Enlightenment's relationship with libraries.

Research Interests

Experience

University Professor

2012-07-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Holding the title of University Professor since July 1st, 2012, specializing in historical research and accounting.

Kazarian Foundation Fellow

— Present

Kazarian Foundation • N/A

Recipient of the Kazarian Foundation Fellowship.

National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship Recipient

— Present

National Endowment for the Humanities • N/A

Awarded the Public Scholar Grant.

MacArthur Fellow

— Present

MacArthur Foundation • N/A

Received the MacArthur Fellowship.

Guggenheim Fellowship Recipient

— Present

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation • N/A

Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship.

Visiting Scholar

— Present

Trinity College, Cambridge University • Cambridge, UK

Served as a visiting scholar.

Fernand Braudel Visiting Professor

— Present

European University Institute • Florence, Italy

Held the position of Fernand Braudel Visiting Professor.

National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship Recipient

— Present

National Endowment for the Humanities • N/A

Recipient of the fellowship.

Awards

#

Jacques Barzun Prize in Cultural History

#

Franklin Grant

#

Selma V. Forkosch Prize

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.