University of Tulsa

What you'll study

The History major at the University of Tulsa provides a broad grounding in historical methods alongside the opportunity to specialise in Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history. You will study political, religious, intellectual and cultural developments from late antiquity through the Renaissance and the Reformation, learning to read and interpret primary sources such as chronicles, legal codes, liturgical texts, visual culture and early printed materials.

• Core modules – historiography and research methods, introductory surveys of European history, and a senior seminar or capstone research project.
• Specialist medieval and early modern modules – subjects often include Medieval Europe to 1500; The Renaissance and Reformation; Early Modern Europe (1500–1700); Church and Society in the Middle Ages; Witchcraft, Magic and Popular Belief; Political Thought of Early Modern Europe; and the History of Kingship and State Formation.
• Skills and source-focused classes – palaeography and palaeography workshops, Latin for historians (or other relevant languages), manuscript and book history, and courses in analysing material culture and art of the period.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options – students may take related courses in art history, religious studies, archaeology, classics, and literary studies to broaden cultural and contextual understanding.
• Research and experiential learning – opportunities for independent research under faculty supervision, archival projects using the university’s special collections, internships with local museums and heritage organisations, and study-abroad options for on-site learning in Europe.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited secondary school diploma (or equivalent) with a strong academic record and evidence of preparation in the humanities. Typical preparations include coursework in history, literature, languages and social studies. Transfer students must provide college transcripts and a record of successfully completed college-level work in relevant subjects.

International applicants must demonstrate equivalent secondary-school qualifications and English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional alternatives. The department may consider writing samples or a statement of purpose demonstrating interest in medieval and early modern topics for admission to specialised pathways or honours-level work.

Career prospects

A degree in Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history from the University of Tulsa develops strong research, critical thinking, writing and communication skills valued across many sectors. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Museum and heritage work (curation, collections care, education, public programming)
• Archives and records management
• Education (secondary teaching and further postgraduate teacher-training) and academic research leading to postgraduate study
• Publishing, journalism and cultural organisations
• Public history, interpretation and tourism development
• Law, government, policy and non-profit sectors where analytical and communication skills are essential

Many students combine the BA with internships or advanced language study to enhance employability in specialised roles; others proceed to master’s or doctoral study in history or related disciplines.

Why study at University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa’s History Department offers small seminar classes and close faculty supervision, allowing students to pursue source-based research in medieval and early modern topics. The university’s special collections and connections with regional museums and cultural institutions provide practical opportunities to handle primary materials and develop public-history experience.

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary campus environment where collaboration with archaeology, art history and language faculty is straightforward, and where study-abroad and internship pathways support hands-on learning in European archives and museums. The programme’s balance of analytical training and experiential work prepares graduates for both professional roles and further academic study.