Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

This programme situates medieval and early modern Europe in its broad cultural contexts, emphasising close reading of primary sources, historical methods and interdisciplinary approaches. You will study topics such as the transformation of late antique societies, medieval kingdoms and empires, Byzantine and Islamic interactions with Europe, the rise of vernacular literatures, the Renaissance, the Reformation and confessional Europe, and the cultural and intellectual history of the early modern period.

• Core methods and skills: historical research methods, historiography, archival practice, palaeography and the editing of pre‑modern texts.
• Chronological and regional courses: Early Middle Ages, High and Late Middle Ages, Late Renaissance and early modern Europe, Byzantine and Ottoman contacts.
• Thematic courses: religion and society, art and material culture, gender and family, law and political institutions, print culture and book history.
• Language training: classical and modern languages relevant to the field (Latin is commonly required or strongly recommended; options for Old French, Medieval German, Italian, Spanish and modern languages are typically available).
• Advanced work: independent research seminars, a senior thesis or capstone project, and opportunities for internships in museums, archives or cultural organisations.

The degree combines required Dedman College core history courses with electives in Medieval and Early Modern European topics, and encourages study abroad in European research hubs to support primary‑source study and language immersion.

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record; evidence of achievement in humanities and social sciences is advantageous.
• Submission of the university application, personal statement outlining interests in medieval and early modern history, and one or more academic references.
• Standardised tests are considered according to current university policy; consult the university for the latest guidance on SAT/ACT submission.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or qualifications unless exempt.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of college‑level coursework in history or related fields where possible.

Career prospects

Graduates with specialised training in medieval and early modern cultural history develop strong analytical, research and writing skills valued across many sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Museums, historic houses and cultural heritage organisations (curatorial and public programmes);
• Archives, special collections and conservation projects;
• Education at secondary and post‑secondary levels or progression to graduate study (MA/PhD) in history, museum studies, library science or related fields;
• Publishing, journalism and cultural journalism;
• Public history and cultural policy, non‑profit management, and roles in tourism and cultural resource management;
• Careers requiring strong research and communication skills such as law, government, and consultancy.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences offers small seminar classes and close faculty mentoring that benefit students working with complex primary sources and languages. Faculty in the History Department include scholars with expertise in medieval and early modern Europe, and students can take advantage of SMU’s special collections, including rare books and manuscript holdings, for hands‑on research.

Located in Dallas, SMU provides access to a vibrant cultural scene and partnerships with local museums, archives and libraries for internships and public history projects. The university also supports study‑abroad and research abroad opportunities in key European cities, enabling students to pursue language training and archival research at the source.

Overall, the programme is designed to combine rigorous historical training with experiential learning and professional preparation, whether your goal is academic research or a career in the cultural and creative sectors.