Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

This programme combines core graduate-level training in historical methods and historiography with specialised study in medieval and early modern European cultural history. Typical course themes include medieval socio-political structures, the Renaissance and Reformation, religious and intellectual movements, gender and family in pre-modern Europe, material and visual culture, and the circulation of texts and ideas.

Students follow a blend of required and elective modules that commonly cover:

• Historiography and research methods — advanced approaches to primary sources, critical reading, and historiographical debates.
• Medieval Europe — political institutions, monasticism, crusading culture, and social orders.
• Early modern Europe — confessionalisation, state formation, print culture, and the early modern economy.
• Cultural and intellectual history — religion, art, literature, popular belief, and the history of ideas.
• Source skills — palaeography, archival methods, and languages relevant to research (such as Latin, early modern vernaculars, or modern research languages as appropriate).
• Public history and material culture — museum studies, archival practice, and digital approaches to history.

The programme typically offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks: a research thesis supervised by a faculty member for students preparing for doctoral study, or a coursework-plus-project option for those aiming at professional careers. Opportunities for practicum work, internships with museums and archives, and participation in digital scholarship projects are usually available.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Admissions generally expect evidence of strong academic performance in undergraduate study and preparation for graduate-level research. Required application materials commonly include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A personal statement outlining research interests and goals within medieval or early modern European history.
• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and research skills (for example, a relevant undergraduate essay or research paper).
• Letters of recommendation, typically two or three academic references.
• A current CV or résumé.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior coursework in English. Some applicants may be asked to show preparation in relevant languages or take preparatory language training. GRE requirements, where applicable, vary by year and applicant profile; consult the department for current guidance. Applicants whose background is in a different discipline but who demonstrate clear preparation and interest in European history may be considered, sometimes with recommended preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates of this MA programme move into a range of careers in both the public and private sectors. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study at the doctoral level and careers in teaching and research.
• Work in museums, archives, historic sites and cultural heritage organisations (collections management, curatorship, interpretation).
• Public history roles including interpretation, oral history projects, and community heritage initiatives.
• Library and archival technician positions, records management, and conservation support roles.
• Publishing, editing, and writing, especially in historical, educational or cultural fields.
• Roles in cultural policy, non-profit programme management, and education outreach.
• Digital humanities and research support positions that combine historical expertise with digital skills.

The programme’s emphasis on research methods, primary-source work and public-facing projects equips graduates with transferable skills in critical analysis, project management, communication and archival literacy that employers value.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a close-knit graduate community with faculty who supervise original research in European history and who connect cultural history with public history and digital scholarship. The History Department supports both traditional archival research and interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to shape a programme that suits either academic or professional ambitions.

NAU’s campus provides access to comprehensive library holdings, interlibrary loan and digital resources that support medieval and early modern research, while partnerships with regional museums, libraries and archives provide practical internship opportunities. Small seminar sizes encourage direct mentorship, and the university’s advising and professional development resources help graduate students prepare for careers in academia, cultural institutions and beyond.