Widener University

What you'll study

The programme combines Widener's core history curriculum—historical methods, historiography and research skills—with specialised courses focused on medieval and early modern Europe. You will study political, social and cultural developments across the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and Reformation periods, examining topics such as the Carolingian world, Byzantine and Ottoman interactions with Europe, medieval Christianity and monasticism, humanism, the printing press and the cultural consequences of exploration and religious upheaval.

• Core modules: historical methods and writing, historiography, senior research seminar or capstone project.
• Period and thematic modules: Medieval Europe, The Renaissance, The Reformation and Early Modern Europe, Late Medieval Society, Religion and Society, Witchcraft and Popular Belief, Plague and Demography.
• Cultural and intellectual topics: medieval intellectual history, humanism and the early modern mind, art and material culture, book history and the history of print.
• Skills and languages: palaeography and manuscript studies, archival methods, Latin (introductory and intermediate), and opportunities to study modern European languages relevant to source work.
• Experiential learning: internships with museums, archives and cultural organisations; opportunities for study abroad or faculty-led travel courses to key European archives and sites.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma (or equivalent) with a record of strong performance in humanities and social-science subjects. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, personal statement, and one or more letters of recommendation. Standardised tests may be optional depending on admissions policy; applicants should consult the university for current guidance.

For students whose first language is not English, proof of English-language proficiency is required (for example, IELTS or TOEFL scores) unless exempted by the university. Mature applicants and transfer students are considered with review of college transcripts and, where relevant, evidence of readiness for upper-level history study.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in Medieval and Early Modern European Cultural History develop strong research, critical thinking and written-communication skills valued across many sectors. Typical career paths include roles in museums, archives and historic sites; public history and heritage management; cultural organisations and publishing; education (often followed by teacher certification); and government or non-profit policy and research positions. Many students also progress to graduate study (MA, PhD) in history, museum studies, library and information science, or related fields.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers small classes and close faculty mentoring that support sustained primary-source research and independent projects. The university's location in the Philadelphia region provides access to major archives, libraries and museums, as well as internship and collaboration opportunities with cultural institutions. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that links history to art history, literature and political studies, and from career services that help translate historical training into profession-ready skills. Widener emphasises experiential learning—through internships, community-engaged projects and study-abroad options—so students gain practical experience alongside scholarly study.