University of Northern Colorado

What you'll study

The programme combines core historical methods and survey courses with specialised modules on medieval and early modern Europe. You will study chronology and major political developments alongside thematic courses that explore culture, religion, economy, gender and intellectual history across Europe from roughly the fourth to the seventeenth century.

• Core skills and methods: historical research methods, historiography, archival practice, source criticism and scholarly writing.
• Chronological surveys: transformations from late antiquity to the High Middle Ages; the later Middle Ages; the Renaissance and the Reformation; the rise of early modern states.
• Thematic modules: religion and society (including the medieval Church and Protestant movements), art and visual culture, material culture and everyday life, witchcraft and popular belief, gender and family structures, and intellectual history of the Renaissance.
• Language and palaeography: opportunities to study relevant modern foreign languages and introductory Latin or palaeography to work with primary sources.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior seminar or thesis project on a medieval/early modern topic, internships with museums, archives or heritage organisations, and opportunities for undergraduate research.

Students normally combine required major credits with general education courses and electives, allowing room to take complementary disciplines such as art history, religious studies, classics, anthropology or European languages.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an accredited secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Typical preparation includes strong performance in humanities subjects such as history and English, and demonstrated skills in reading, writing and critical analysis. Incoming students may be asked to provide transcripts and a personal statement outlining interest in historical study.

If you are transferring from another college or seeking advanced standing, you will be asked to submit college transcripts and descriptions of previously completed history courses. Prior study of a European language or introductory history is advantageous but not always required; the department encourages students with a clear interest in medieval and early modern Europe to apply and offers preparatory language and skills courses where needed.

Career prospects

A history degree specialising in medieval and early modern European cultural history prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that value research, critical thinking and communication. Common routes include:

• Museum and heritage work, including curatorial, education and collections roles.
• Archives and library services, supporting preservation and access to historical records.
• Education and teaching (additional teacher certification is required for K–12 classroom roles).
• Public history, cultural resource management and community engagement roles in cultural organisations.
• Publishing, journalism and communications, utilising research and writing skills.
• Public sector and non-profit work, including policy, international affairs and cultural diplomacy.
• Postgraduate study in history, medieval studies, museum studies, library science or law for those pursuing academic or specialised professional careers.

Why study at University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers a close-knit history programme with small seminar-style classes and regular access to faculty mentors for research supervision. The Department provides opportunities for undergraduate research, a senior capstone project, and internships with local museums and cultural institutions, giving practical as well as academic experience.

Located in Greeley, the university combines a supportive campus community with connections to regional archives and museums. Students can also take advantage of study-abroad options and interdisciplinary coursework in art history, religious studies and languages to deepen their understanding of medieval and early modern European cultures.