Brigham Young University

What you'll study

The degree provides a broad foundation in historical methods and interpretation alongside a focused pathway in medieval and early modern European cultural history. Core modules typically cover historical research methods, historiography, and comparative world history while specialised courses explore topics such as the fall of the Roman Empire and the medieval Christian West, the Crusades, medieval intellectual and material culture, the Renaissance in Italy, the Protestant Reformation, early modern political and social transformations, and cultural exchange between Europe and its neighbours.

Students are encouraged to develop foreign-language competence (commonly Latin, French, German, Spanish or Italian) to support primary-source research. Coursework commonly includes palaeography and source analysis, thematic seminars (for example gender and family in medieval Europe, visual culture and art in the Renaissance, or religion and society in early modern Europe), and a senior capstone or research project that involves original archival or library-based research.

• Foundations in historical methods and historiography
• Survey courses in medieval and early modern European history
• Specialist seminars on cultural, religious and intellectual developments
• Language study to support primary-source reading
• Practical training in archival research, palaeography and digital historical methods
• Optional study-abroad placements in European centres and internships with museums or archives

Structure

The programme follows the standard undergraduate sequence of lower-division surveys and skills courses followed by upper-division specialised seminars and a capstone research project. Elective credits allow students to combine the history major with complementary minors such as Classics, Art History, Religious Studies or Museum Studies. Students typically complete a mix of lecture courses, discussion seminars and supervised research over the course of the degree.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent and provide official transcripts. Admissions decisions at BYU consider academic preparation and the overall strength of the application. Successful candidates usually demonstrate strong performance in humanities subjects and an ability to read and write at university level.

International applicants must meet BYU’s general English-language proficiency requirements and provide certified translations of documents where applicable. Prospective students may be advised to have some prior study of a European language if they intend to pursue the medieval/early modern concentration, though language instruction is available within the university.

Additional departmental expectations may include an interview or submission of a writing sample for applicants seeking early placement in upper-division seminars or honours-level research supervision. Applicants should consult BYU admissions and the Department of History for full details and any programme-specific prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates with a focus on medieval and early modern European cultural history build skills valued across public and private sectors: critical reading and writing, archival research, foreign-language proficiency, and cultural interpretation. Common career paths include secondary and post-secondary education, museum and archival work, cultural heritage and historic preservation, public history, publishing, journalism, and roles in government or non-profit organisations concerned with cultural affairs.

Many students also use this degree as preparation for further study in graduate programmes (history, medieval studies, library and information science, law), theological studies, or professional fields where advanced research and communication skills are essential. Practical experiences such as internships, study abroad, and faculty-supervised research strongly enhance employability.

Why study at Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University combines a large, research-active history department with a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and mentoring. Students benefit from faculty expertise across European history, integrated language instruction, and a broad study-abroad network that makes archival research and in-country learning accessible. The university’s resources—libraries with strong humanities collections, opportunities for undergraduate research fellowships, and partnerships with museums and cultural institutions—support serious study of medieval and early modern Europe.

BYU’s academic environment also emphasises ethical scholarship and close faculty-student collaboration, providing a supportive setting for students aiming to pursue original research or professional careers tied to historical and cultural expertise.