Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme centres on the political, social and cultural developments of Medieval and Early Modern Europe, combining classroom work with primary-source analysis and opportunities for original research. Core thematic areas include medieval political and ecclesiastical institutions, the Renaissance and humanism, the Reformation and confessional cultures, early modern science and intellectual history, and the history of everyday life and material culture.

• Typical modules and subjects
  • Medieval Europe: society, polity and religion
  • The Renaissance and Humanism
  • The Reformation and religious culture
  • Early Modern Europe: states, economy and society
  • Historiography and methods of historical inquiry
  • Primary-source skills: palaeography, diplomatic and codicology
  • Languages for historians (classical/medieval Latin; optional modern European languages)
  • Material and visual culture in premodern Europe
  • Gender, family and social history in the medieval and early modern periods
  • Capstone seminar or senior thesis involving original research
• Structure

  The degree is structured as a major in history within a Bachelor of Arts framework. Students take a mix of lower-division survey courses and upper-division specialised seminars. The programme encourages electives in related departments (art history, religious studies, archaeology, literature) and typically culminates in a research seminar or senior project. Opportunities for study abroad, fieldwork, internships and work with archival collections are integrated into the pathway.

Entry requirements

Admissions expect completion of secondary education or equivalent, with a strong academic record and preparation in humanities subjects. Applicants should demonstrate reading and writing ability, interest in historical study, and readiness for college-level coursework.

• Domestic applicants: secondary school completion with competitive grades and preparation in humanities or social sciences. Successful applicants often present strong performance in history, literature, or related subjects.
• International applicants: an equivalent secondary school qualification, evidence of proficiency in English (where required) and preparation in humanities subjects. Transcripts should show readiness for university-level reading and composition.
• Transfer students: previous college credits in history or liberal-arts coursework are considered; articulation of relevant courses and a good academic standing at the sending institution strengthen applications.
• Additional materials: a personal statement outlining academic interests, and in some cases letters of recommendation or a writing sample, may be requested to assess fit for the programme.

Career prospects

A degree in Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history provides a versatile foundation for careers that value research, writing, critical thinking and contextual analysis. Many graduates pursue further specialised study; others move directly into professional roles.

• Museum and heritage work: curatorial assistant, collections management, exhibit development (often together with internships and further vocational qualifications)
• Archives and libraries: archival technician, cataloguing and special-collections support (professional credentials may be required for senior roles)
• Education and public history: secondary teaching (with appropriate certification), education officer roles in cultural institutions, interpretation and outreach
• Research and postgraduate study: MA or PhD pathways in history, art history, medieval studies, religious studies or related fields
• Publishing, journalism and communications: editorial, content development and research positions
• Government, policy and non-profit sectors: roles in cultural policy, international organisations, and civic education
• Private-sector careers: law, consulting and business careers that value analytical skills and clear written communication

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a close-knit undergraduate environment in Flagstaff that supports small seminars, faculty mentorship and hands-on research. The history faculty include scholars with strengths in medieval and early modern Europe, and the department encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across art history, religious studies, classics and archaeology.

• Undergraduate research: students can undertake original projects and a capstone thesis, with faculty supervision and access to university resources.
• Special collections and archives: NAU’s library holdings and regional archival resources provide material for original-source work and practicum experience.
• Fieldwork and cultural institutions: proximity to regional museums and cultural organisations creates internship and public-history opportunities; study-abroad programmes support immersion in European archives and sites.
• Supportive learning environment: small-class teaching, advising for career and graduate-school planning, and opportunities through the university’s honours and research programmes.