University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This programme emphasises in-depth study of European cultures from roughly the late antique period through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, combining political, intellectual, religious and material approaches. Core study typically covers historiography and research methods, palaeography and archival skills, and courses on medieval and early modern themes such as monarchies and state formation, the church and religious life, urban and rural societies, gender and family, book history and print culture, and the history of science and exploration.

• Research methods and historiography: training in historical argumentation, source criticism and theoretical approaches to cultural history.
• Skills in primary-source work: palaeography, diplomatic analysis, Latin reading (where relevant) and archival practice.
• Thematic seminars: focused classes on subjects such as medieval political institutions, early modern religious reformations, print culture and the circulation of ideas, material culture and everyday life.
• Language and tools: support in medieval/early modern languages (e.g. Latin, or regional modern languages), quantitative and digital humanities skills for cultural history research.
• Thesis or capstone: supervised original research leading to a substantial thesis or an approved capstone project, often drawing on archival materials and the university's special collections.

Students may combine coursework and independent research, and are encouraged to work with faculty on conference papers and publications. The programme supports interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Art History, Religious Studies and Anthropology.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in history or a closely related field. A solid academic record, evidence of ability to undertake graduate-level research (such as a writing sample), and a statement of purpose outlining research interests are required. Applicants will normally need two academic references.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved English language test or alternative evidence of collegiate-level English ability. The department provides guidance on language preparation and recommended preparatory coursework (for example, modern or classical language study) where necessary.

The programme does not universally require a graduate admissions test, but applicants should consult the department for the latest guidance on any optional or recommended examinations.

Career prospects

Graduates with specialised training in medieval and early modern European cultural history pursue a range of careers in the public and private sectors. Typical paths include:

• Further academic study (PhD) and careers in university-level teaching and research.
• Public history roles in museums, historic houses, and heritage organisations, including curatorial and collections work.
• Archival and records management positions in libraries, archives and cultural institutions, aided by training in palaeography and primary-source handling.
• Education and outreach: secondary-school teaching (with applicable certification), interpretive programming, and educational publishing.
• Careers in cultural policy, non-profit management, tourism and interpretive services, and roles in publishing, editing and communications where research and writing skills are valued.

Practical components and experience with the university’s special collections and local archival repositories enhance employability in heritage and archival work.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a supportive research environment with access to strong faculty mentorship in European history and related fields. Graduate students benefit from the university’s library special collections and archives, opportunities for hands-on primary-source research, and a department that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across humanities programmes.

Small seminar sizes allow close interaction with faculty advisors and greater opportunities to develop and present original research. The department typically promotes professional development through conference funding, workshops on digital humanities and palaeography, and connections with regional museums and archives for internships and practicum experience.

Whether preparing for doctoral study or careers in public history, cultural heritage and archives, the programme combines rigorous training in methods with flexible pathways to pursue specialised interests in medieval and early modern European cultural history.