Pittsburg State University

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive coursework with original research, enabling students to explore cultural history topics such as religion and ritual, intellectual and literary culture, gender and family, material culture, and the history of print and communication in medieval and early modern Europe. Core study typically includes seminars in historical methods and historiography, advanced topics in medieval Europe and early modern Europe, a research seminar, and specialised courses on subjects such as palaeography and manuscript studies, archival research methods, and the history of ideas.

• Historiography and Research Methods — theoretical frameworks, archival practice, source criticism and approaches to cultural history.
• Medieval Europe — political, social and religious institutions; monastic and urban cultures; high and late medieval transformations.
• Early Modern Europe — Reformation and confessional cultures, print culture and the rise of vernacular literatures, court and urban societies.
• Specialist Options — manuscript studies and palaeography, history of science and ideas, gender and family, material culture and visual sources.
• Research Project / Thesis — students complete an original piece of research under faculty supervision; alternative capstone options may be available for non-thesis tracks.
• Professional Skills — training in academic writing, presentation, digital humanities methods relevant to historical research, and archival work.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related discipline. Admission is based on a review of academic transcripts and supporting documents showing capacity for graduate-level work.

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and reasons for pursuing graduate study in medieval and early modern cultural history.
• Academic writing sample or research paper demonstrating analytical and writing skills.
• Two or three academic references addressing scholarly potential and preparedness for graduate study.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.

Some applicants whose undergraduate preparation is in a field other than history may be advised to take preparatory undergraduate coursework. Language competency in Latin or a modern European language may be recommended for research in primary sources; specific language preparation requirements depend on the chosen thesis topic and supervisory committee.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme pursue a range of careers that make use of historical analysis, research and communication skills. Common paths include:

• Further academic study (PhD) and careers in higher education and research.
• Work in museums, archives and heritage organisations, including curatorial roles and collections management.
• Public history positions in cultural institutions, historic sites, and education outreach.
• Publishing, editorial work, and roles in cultural policy or arts administration.
• Government, non-profit and private-sector roles requiring strong research, writing and critical-thinking skills.

Why study at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University offers a small, collegial graduate environment with close faculty mentoring, allowing students in medieval and early modern cultural history to pursue bespoke research projects with regular supervisory guidance. The Department of History emphasises hands-on training in archival research and historiographical methods, and students have opportunities to develop teaching experience through graduate assistantships.

The university’s regional location provides economical access to a network of state and regional archives and libraries, while interdisciplinary links with departments such as English, anthropology and museum studies allow students to broaden methodological skills. The programme is designed to be adaptable, supporting both students aiming for doctoral study and those preparing for professional careers in museums, archives and the public sector.