Pace University

What you'll study

The programme begins with foundational courses in historical methods and broad surveys of world and Western history before allowing you to concentrate on Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history. Typical modules and topics include:

• Survey courses: Early medieval Europe, high and late medieval developments, the Renaissance and the Reformation.
• Cultural and intellectual history: medieval religion and piety, scholasticism, humanism, print culture and the circulation of ideas in the early modern period.
• Primary-source work: reading and interpreting chronicles, letters, legal codes and literary texts; palaeography and working with translated primary materials.
• Regional and thematic seminars: topics such as medieval urban life, gender and family, cross-cultural contacts (Byzantium, Islamic-West relations), art and visual culture, or the social history of medicine.
• Research methods and historiography: training in archival research, historical argumentation, historiographical debates and the use of digital tools in history.
• Language study: options to study Latin and modern European languages (such as French, German or Italian) to support primary-source research.
• Capstone project or honours thesis: an independent research project supervised by faculty, demonstrating original analysis and professional-level writing.
• Internships and practicum: opportunities for work placements in museums, archives, libraries and cultural organisations, particularly in New York City.

Entry requirements

Pace University typically requires a completed secondary-school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate admission, together with official transcripts. Applicants should submit a personal statement and may be asked for letters of recommendation. Standardised tests (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on admission policies; applicants should check current requirements.

For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency (for example TOEFL or IELTS) is normally required unless waived by qualifying prior study in English. Some programmes recommend or expect prior coursework in history, humanities or related subjects, and demonstrated interest in historical research is advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates with a major focused on Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history are prepared for a wide range of careers where research, critical analysis and communication are valued. Common career paths include:

• Museum, archival and curatorial work, including roles in collections, exhibitions and public programming.
• Education and teaching at the secondary level (additional teacher certification may be required).
• Library and information science, or cultural heritage management (often pursued with postgraduate qualifications).
• Publishing, journalism, and content development, especially in contexts that require strong research and writing skills.
• Public history and heritage organisations, including historic sites, conservation projects and community history initiatives.
• Government, non‑profits and international organisations in research, policy, advocacy and communications roles.
• Further academic study leading to careers in university teaching or research; many students progress to master’s degrees in history, medieval studies, museum studies or related fields.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University offers this programme in the context of a liberal arts education with small, discussion-based classes and direct access to faculty mentors. Located in New York City, Pace provides exceptional practical advantages: students can intern at world-class museums, libraries and archives, participate in public-history projects across the city and make professional contacts through on‑campus career services.

The university emphasises experiential learning—your coursework is frequently paired with internship opportunities and research supervision. Faculty working in medieval and early modern studies bring diverse specialisms in cultural, religious and intellectual history, and the curriculum allows you to combine language training, digital methods and hands-on archival work to build a portfolio of skills attractive to employers and postgraduate programmes.