Pace University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous training in historiography and methods with specialised study of medieval and early modern European cultures. Core seminars cover topics such as approaches to cultural history, theories and methods in historical research, and professional practice for historians. Thematic courses typically include Medieval Europe: Society and Culture; The Early Modern World; Religion, Ritual and Reform; Renaissance and Reformation; and Intellectual and Literary Cultures 1200–1700.

• Research methods and historiography: intensive work on source criticism, archival research, quantitative and qualitative methods, and current debates in cultural history.
• Language and palaeography: training options or modules in Latin palaeography, reading skills in medieval/early modern Latin, and instruction in reading early modern scripts; opportunities to study modern European research languages depending on prior background.
• Specialist seminars: topics such as gender and family in medieval Europe, visual culture and materiality, print culture and early modern book history, urban and rural societies, and cross-cultural encounters.
• Capstone project or thesis: a substantial research dissertation supervised by faculty, or alternatively a practicum project such as a museum exhibition, digital humanities project, or archival edition.
• Electives and internships: elective options draw on related fields (art history, religious studies, literature, archival studies) and students are encouraged to take internships with museums, libraries or cultural institutions, particularly leveraging Pace’s New York City resources.

The programme is structured to accommodate full-time and part-time students, with a blend of seminar meetings, independent research, and practicum placements. Students develop a sustained research proposal and produce either a master’s thesis or an equivalent professional project as the culmination of their studies.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised undergraduate degree in history or a closely related discipline (such as literature, art history, religious studies or archaeology) with a strong academic record. Relevant professional experience in museums, archives or heritage organisations is also considered positively for applicants from other backgrounds.

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A personal statement outlining academic interests, research goals, and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• One or more academic references (or professional references for applicants with significant workplace experience).
• A sample of academic writing that demonstrates research and analytical skills (such as an undergraduate essay).
• Curriculum vitae / résumé detailing education and relevant experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, where required.

GRE scores are not universally required; applicants should check the programme’s admissions guidance. Candidates with limited prior training in medieval/early modern languages may be admitted but are expected to undertake language preparation as part of their course plan.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme prepared for a range of careers that value advanced research, critical analysis and communication skills. Typical progression includes:

• Academic routes: preparation for PhD study and careers in university teaching and research.
• Museums, galleries and heritage organisations: curatorial, collections management, education and public engagement roles.
• Archives and libraries: archival processing, digital curation and special collections work.
• Publishing, cultural institutions and media: editorial positions, research writing, and public history projects.
• Public sector and non-profits: roles in cultural policy, tourism, historic preservation and community heritage initiatives.
• Education: secondary school teaching (often combined with additional teaching certification) and adult learning programme development.

Internships and local partnerships in New York City expand practical experience and professional networks, and the programme’s emphasis on public-facing projects equips graduates for both scholarly and applied careers.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University offers the combination of small-group, faculty-led supervision and ready access to one of the world’s richest concentrations of archives and museums. Situated in New York City with additional campus resources nearby, students benefit from proximity to institutions such as major research libraries, museums and historic collections for primary-source research and internships.

• Experienced faculty: faculty working on medieval and early modern Europe who supervise original research and mentor professional projects.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: easy collaboration with related departments—art history, literature, religion and digital humanities—for cross-disciplinary training.
• Professional connections: structured internship pathways and partnerships with cultural institutions help students gain practical experience and build networks.
• Flexible delivery: options for part-time study and evening classes support working professionals and career changers.

Overall, the programme is designed to combine rigorous historical scholarship with practical training for careers that engage with the cultural legacies of the medieval and early modern periods.