Ohio University

What you'll study

The programme is built on a broad foundation in historical methods and period surveys, then allows students to concentrate on medieval and early modern European cultural history. Core study typically covers historiography and research methods, historical writing and theory, and skills in reading original-language sources where available.

• Foundations and methods: courses in historical methods, introduction to primary-source analysis, archival research techniques and seminars on historical argumentation.
• Medieval Europe: topics such as the early and high Middle Ages, crusades and pilgrimage, medieval political institutions, monasticism and religious life, and cultural production (manuscript culture, art and material culture).
• Early modern Europe: topics including the Renaissance, Reformation and confessionalisation, early modern political thought, urban and social change, and the cultural consequences of exploration and empire.
• Language and sources: opportunities to develop reading knowledge of Latin and modern European languages, palaeography and training in working with manuscripts and printed primary sources.
• Interdisciplinary options: modules linking literature, art history, religious studies, and archaeology to illuminate cultural contexts and practices.
• Advanced work: upper-level seminars, an independent research project or senior capstone, and options for independent study or faculty-supervised research in archival collections.

Students may combine this concentration with other minors or specialisations across the university, and can supplement study with study-abroad semesters at European partner institutions to work directly with archives and local scholarship.

Entry requirements

Ohio University admits students on the basis of a complete secondary-school record (or equivalent). Typical applicants present a strong academic profile with coursework in humanities and social sciences; demonstrated ability in reading and writing; and a record of consistent achievement. The application package normally includes official transcripts, a personal statement, and at least one academic reference.

Transfer applicants should supply college transcripts showing satisfactory performance in previous post-secondary work. Applicants for whom English is not a first language must meet the university's English-proficiency requirements through approved tests or qualifications. Additional materials such as a writing sample or evidence of relevant independent research may strengthen an application for students focusing on medieval and early modern topics.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in medieval and early modern European cultural history develop skills in research, critical reading of complex texts, written and oral communication, and contextual analysis—abilities valued across many sectors.

• Public history and museums: curatorial assistants, education officers, archival technicians and roles in cultural heritage organisations.
• Education and academia: progression to graduate study (MA/PhD) and teaching at secondary or higher-education levels with appropriate certification or further study.
• Government and non-profit: policy research, cultural policy, programme management and community engagement roles.
• Publishing, journalism and media: editorial, research and content-development positions that require strong source-evaluation and writing skills.
• Professional fields: many graduates pursue law, library and information science, or business roles, where analytical and communication skills provide a strong foundation.

Internships, undergraduate research projects and study-abroad experiences during the degree help to build practical experience and professional networks.

Why study at Ohio University

Ohio University offers a supportive undergraduate environment with small seminars, accessible faculty and opportunities for close mentorship. The Department of History has faculty working in European history who teach specialised courses and supervise undergraduate research in medieval and early modern subjects.

Students benefit from the university's library collections and special collections, which provide access to primary-source materials and digitised resources. The university also supports experiential learning through internship programmes with regional museums, cultural organisations and archival centres, and through study-abroad connections that are particularly valuable for those studying European history.

Undergraduates are encouraged to present research at campus symposia, apply for research funding and pursue honours-level projects, ensuring hands-on training in the methods and practices of cultural-historical scholarship.