Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

What you'll study

The programme combines a broad foundation in historical methods with specialised courses on medieval and early modern Europe. Core studies cover historical research and writing, historiography, and methodology, while concentration modules examine political, religious, intellectual and cultural transformations from the later Roman Empire through the early modern period.

• Survey courses in Medieval Europe and Early Modern Europe, tracing major political and social developments
• Topical classes such as the Crusades, the Rise of the Late Medieval State, the Renaissance, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and the Age of Exploration
• Cultural and social history offerings on medieval and early modern religion, gender and family, urban life, material culture and the history of ideas
• Courses in primary-source skills, including palaeography, manuscript studies and editing sources, and seminars focused on interpreting archival material
• Interdisciplinary options linking literature, art history, archaeology and religious studies to broaden cultural-context understanding
• Electives in relevant modern languages (commonly Latin, French and German) to support research and source reading
• Capstone experiences such as a senior seminar, a substantial research paper, or an undergraduate research project with faculty supervision
• Practical learning through internships, independent study and opportunities to work with the university's special collections and local heritage organisations

Entry requirements

Applicants should meet the university's general undergraduate admission standards and submit official high school or transfer transcripts. Typical expectations include a solid academic record with strengths in humanities and writing. Competence in reading and composition is essential; applicants may be asked to demonstrate writing ability through a writing sample or placement evaluation.

While specific course prerequisites vary, preparatory work in world history, English composition and foreign language is helpful. Transfer students are evaluated on college coursework completed. Prospective students planning advanced research are encouraged to have some background in Latin or a modern European language, though beginner language courses are available within the curriculum.

Career prospects

Graduates with this concentration combine historical knowledge and research skills valued across the public and private sectors. Common career paths include:

• Museums, historic sites and cultural heritage organisations — roles in curation, education, interpretation and collections management
• Archives and libraries — archival processing, digital curation and special collections work
• Public history and historic preservation, working with government agencies or non-profits
• Teaching at secondary level (state certification requirements apply) and educational programming
• Publishing, journalism, communications and research positions in think tanks or cultural organisations
• Graduate study in history, medieval studies, museum studies, library and information science, law or related fields

Why study at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

MTSU offers direct access to hands-on resources that support medieval and early modern study, including the university's special collections and archival holdings housed in the university library. Small seminars and close faculty mentoring give undergraduates opportunities to develop independent research projects and participate in conference presentations or publications.

The History Department emphasises practical experience: internships with regional museums, archives and historical societies are regularly arranged, and students can combine coursework with language study and interdisciplinary electives. For students interested in public-facing history work, MTSU's connections across Tennessee provide routes into preservation, interpretation and educational programming while also preparing those who wish to pursue advanced academic study.