Michigan State University

What you'll study

The History major with a focus on Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history explores Europe roughly from late antiquity through the seventeenth century, emphasising intellectual, religious, social and material dimensions of the past. Core coursework in the major develops historical methods, research skills and historiography, while specialist courses examine topics such as medieval Christianity and Islam, the Renaissance, the Reformation and early modern political culture.

• Core historical methods and skills: courses in historical research and writing, source criticism, and historiography.
• Period survey and thematic courses: surveys of medieval Europe and early modern Europe alongside thematic classes on religion and society, gender and family, urban and rural life, law and governance.
• Specialist seminars: small seminar-style classes focused on subjects such as manuscript culture, crusades and cross-cultural exchange, early modern print culture, or the history of science and ideas.
• Language and primary sources: targeted language instruction and palaeography options (commonly Latin and modern European languages) to enable work with original texts and archival materials.
• Capstone and independent research: a senior seminar or honours thesis that culminates in substantial original research using primary sources.
• Interdisciplinary electives and practical experience: opportunities to combine history with art history, classics, religious studies, archaeology, or museum and archival practice; internships, undergraduate research programmes and study-abroad in European centres are commonly used to gain hands-on experience.

Students typically combine introductory requirements with increasingly specialised seminars in the junior and senior years, building a portfolio of analytical essays, source-based projects and an extended research project.

Entry requirements

Admission to Michigan State University for the undergraduate History major follows the university’s general undergraduate admissions process. Applicants should present a strong secondary-school record with coursework that demonstrates preparation in humanities and writing. Recommended preparatory subjects include history, English (composition and literature), and foreign languages.

• Academic preparation: successful completion of high-school coursework with emphasis on reading, writing and analytical subjects.
• Application materials: secondary-school transcripts and any college-transfer records; application essays or personal statement as required by the university; letters of recommendation if requested.
• Standardised tests and English language: Michigan State’s admissions policy on standardised tests and proof of English proficiency for international applicants should be consulted directly; alternative evidence of readiness (advanced coursework, AP/IB credits, or college courses) can strengthen an application.
• Transfer and continuing students: transfer applicants typically need college transcripts and should expect to demonstrate readiness for upper-level history seminars through completed lower-division courses.

Career prospects

A degree concentrating on Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that value research, synthesis of complex information and effective communication. Many alumni pursue further study in graduate programmes in history, medieval studies, museum studies, library and information science, law or related fields. Others move into careers in heritage and cultural organisations, archives, museums, education, publishing, journalism, public policy, and the cultural sector.

• Academic and research paths: postgraduate study leading to careers in teaching and scholarship.
• Museums and archives: curatorial, collections management and archival roles, often following internships and specialised library training.
• Education and public history: secondary teaching (with appropriate certification), interpretation and outreach at historic sites, and public programming.
• Other sectors: roles in publishing, communications, cultural resource management, non‑profit organisations, and government where analytic and writing skills are in demand.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State offers a major in History within a large research university environment, combining accessible undergraduate teaching with opportunities to work with active faculty scholars. Students benefit from small seminars for specialised study, faculty supervision for independent research, and the resources of campus libraries and archival collections.

• Faculty expertise: access to historians engaged in research on European history and related fields who supervise honours projects and undergraduate research.
• Research resources: MSU Libraries’ special collections and manuscript holdings, as well as digital resources and interlibrary services that support primary-source research.
• Experiential learning: study-abroad programmes, internships with museums and archives, and undergraduate research initiatives that help translate classroom learning into practical experience.
• Interdisciplinary environment: proximity to programmes in art history, classics, religious studies and archaeology that enrich the study of medieval and early modern cultures.