Tarleton State University

What you'll study

This programme combines a broad foundation in historical methods with concentrated study of medieval and early modern Europe. You will study the major political, social and cultural developments from roughly the late Roman world through the 18th century, including the rise of medieval kingdoms, the intellectual life of monastic and urban communities, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Exploration and the early modern state.

• Core skills and methods: historiography, research methods, archival practice, palaeography basics, and critical source analysis.
• Regional and chronological modules: surveys of medieval Europe, late medieval society, Renaissance Italy, Reformation Europe, and the rise of early modern nations and empires.
• Thematic modules: religion and society, cultural and intellectual history, art and material culture, gender and family, disease and demography, warfare and diplomacy, and cross-cultural contacts between Europe and the Mediterranean or Atlantic worlds.
• Language and contextual studies: opportunities to study Latin and modern European languages to support primary-source work, and modules in archaeology or art history to develop interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Practical experience: an undergraduate research seminar or senior capstone project, archive-based assignments, and options for internships with museums, historic sites or public-history projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in History are expected to hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Tarleton considers academic preparation in humanities and social sciences, a record of sustained coursework, and submission of official transcripts. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts showing successful completion of general education and introductory history courses; many transfers enter with some credits already completed.

International applicants must provide evidence of secondary education credentials and demonstrate English language competence by providing recognised test scores or other approved evidence of proficiency. Applicants may also strengthen their application with writing samples, a personal statement addressing their interest in medieval and early modern history, and letters of recommendation where appropriate.

Career prospects

Graduates with specialised training in medieval and early modern European cultural history pursue a wide range of careers. Many continue into graduate study in history, medieval studies, museum studies or related fields. Career pathways include:

• Museums, historic sites and heritage management — curatorial assistance, education, collection care and interpretation.
• Archives and libraries — archival technician roles, records management and special collections work, often supported by additional professional credentials.
• Education and public history — secondary teaching (with certification), outreach, interpretation and programme development for cultural organisations.
• Research, publishing and journalism — editorial work, content development, and research positions in public or private organisations.
• Government, non-profit and cultural resource management — policy research, grant writing, cultural tourism and community heritage planning.

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State offers a small-campus environment within a larger public system, allowing students to combine personalised attention with access to a wide range of resources. History majors benefit from dedicated undergraduate advising, opportunities for faculty-mentored research and a senior capstone experience that emphasises original analysis of primary sources. The programme encourages practical engagement through internships with regional museums, archives and cultural organisations, and supports study-abroad options to gain first-hand experience with European collections and sites.

Facilities such as campus libraries and digital collections support research in medieval and early modern studies, while flexible elective choices allow students to pair historical study with complementary fields such as art history, languages or anthropology. Graduates leave equipped with strong research, writing and critical-thinking skills valued in both academic and professional settings.