University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This research-led doctoral programme combines coursework, language training, comprehensive examinations and a sustained original dissertation on an aspect of medieval or early modern European cultural history. Core elements typically include advanced historiography and research methods, seminars on cultural topics such as religion, material culture, intellectual history, book history, gender and social practice, and specialised seminars that reflect faculty strengths and student research interests.

• Coursework and seminars: advanced topics in medieval and early modern Europe, comparative cultural history, and historiographical debates.
• Language requirements: competence in at least one modern research language (commonly French, German, Italian, or Spanish) and one historical language (often Latin) as required for source work.
• Research methods: palaeography and codicology where relevant, archival research techniques, digital humanities tools for historians, and quantitative or qualitative methodologies depending on project needs.
• Comprehensive examinations: written and/or oral exams that assess breadth and readiness to undertake dissertation research.
• Dissertation: an original, substantial research project making a clear contribution to medieval or early modern European cultural history, completed under the guidance of a supervisory committee.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to gain teaching experience through assistantships, participate in departmental colloquia, and present at conferences.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant master’s degree in history or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. A strong academic record, evidence of research potential, and preparedness for advanced language work are expected.

• Academic transcript: graduate and undergraduate transcripts demonstrating strong performance in history or related fields.
• Writing sample: a substantial research paper (for example, a master’s thesis or seminar paper) that demonstrates analytic and research skills.
• Research statement/proposal: a clear outline of research interests and how they fit with faculty expertise and resources at the university.
• References: typically three academic letters of recommendation addressing research ability and potential for doctoral study.
• Language preparation: evidence of ability to undertake source work in the necessary languages or a plan to acquire those languages early in the programme.
• English proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not English, accepted proof of English language ability is required.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in medieval and early modern European cultural history pursue careers in a variety of settings. Many go on to tenure-track academic positions in history or related departments, while others find roles in public history, museums, archives, and cultural heritage institutions. The degree also prepares students for careers in publishing, education administration, historical consultancy, digital humanities and policy roles that value advanced research, language skills and critical interpretation of historical sources.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a supportive doctoral environment with opportunities for close mentoring, small seminar sizes and sustained archival research. Students benefit from access to the Chester Fritz Library collections, regional archival partnerships, and travel-support programmes for research abroad. The department emphasises professional development through teaching assistantships, dissertation workshops and conference support, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and research centres to strengthen work in medieval and early modern cultural history.