Troy University

What you'll study

The programme combines a broad foundation in historical methods and world/regional history with a concentration on Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history. Core modules cover historiography and research methods, introduction to historical thinking, and survey courses in Western civilization. Specialised modules explore areas such as:

• Medieval Europe: social structures, kingdoms and monastic life
• Byzantium and the Eastern Mediterranean: institutions, art and diplomacy
• The Renaissance: humanism, patronage and artistic culture
• The Reformation and confessionalisation: religion, politics and society
• Early Modern monarchy, state formation and diplomacy
• Material culture and everyday life: objects, consumption and gender
• Historical methods: palaeography, manuscript studies and reading primary sources
• Capstone/Senior Seminar: sustained research project using primary and secondary sources

Students take a mix of lectures, small seminars and source workshops. Assessment typically includes essays, source-based assignments, presentations and a final research project. Electives allow cross-disciplinary study in related fields such as art history, religious studies, archaeology or languages relevant to primary-source work.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Successful candidates will show strong performance in humanities subjects and proficiency in written English. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in medieval and early modern history, and at least one academic reference.

International applicants should meet the university's English-language requirements. Mature and transfer students are considered on the basis of prior academic performance; transfers will need college transcripts and a record of relevant coursework. Some modules that involve primary-source work benefit from prior study of a modern or classical language, but language study can often be taken alongside the degree.

Career prospects

Graduates develop analytical, research and written communication skills sought by a wide range of employers. Common career paths include:

• Secondary and further education teaching (with appropriate postgraduate teacher training)
• Museums, galleries and cultural heritage management: curatorial and collections roles
• Archives and records management
• Public history, interpretation and heritage tourism
• Publishing, journalism and communications
• Public service, non‑profit and policy roles
• Further study at master’s or doctoral level for careers in academia or specialised research

Employers value the programme’s emphasis on handling primary sources, contextual analysis and clear presentation of complex material.

Why study at Troy University

Troy University offers small-class teaching and close contact with faculty who publish and teach in European and comparative history fields. The department emphasises hands-on engagement with primary sources and research-led teaching, including opportunities for independent research projects and senior seminars.

Students benefit from the university’s library resources and research support, opportunities to study abroad or take part in faculty-led study excursions, and extracurricular activities such as history societies and public lecture series. The combination of a broad historical foundation and a specialised focus on medieval and early modern cultural history equips graduates for further study or diverse professional pathways.