Syracuse University

What you'll study

The programme combines coursework, language and methodological training, teaching experience, and a sustained piece of original research leading to the doctoral dissertation. Core work typically includes graduate seminars in historiography and research methods, specialised seminars on medieval and early modern Europe (topics such as religion and society, political culture, intellectual history, urban and rural life, material and visual culture), and advanced study in palaeography and codicology for manuscript-based scholarship.

• Graduate historiography and research methods
• Seminars on medieval and early modern European topics (e.g. crusading and pilgrimage, Reformations, courts and governance, science and medicine)
• Language training (commonly Latin plus one or more modern European languages relevant to dissertation research)
• Palaeography, manuscript studies and archival practice
• Digital humanities approaches to textual and material sources (text encoding, GIS for historical landscapes, databases for prosopography and networks)
• Teaching practicum and pedagogical training for undergraduate instruction

Programme structure normally begins with a period of coursework and language preparation, followed by comprehensive or qualifying examinations and formulation of a dissertation prospectus. Students then pursue archival research and write a supervised dissertation that contributes original scholarship to the field.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants typically hold a relevant master’s degree in history or a closely related field, though outstanding applicants with a strong honours bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered. Applicants should demonstrate readiness for advanced research in medieval and early modern European cultural history.

• Transcripts showing strong academic performance at undergraduate and graduate levels
• A clear statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with faculty expertise
• An academic writing sample (such as a seminar paper or chapter-length essay) that demonstrates research and analysis
• Three letters of recommendation from academic referees
• Evidence of appropriate language preparation (Latin is commonly required; additional modern languages as relevant to proposed research)
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to university policy

Applicants should consult the department for current guidance on standardized test requirements and any additional materials specific to medieval or early modern specialisms.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a range of careers that draw on advanced research, writing and teaching skills. Common paths include university and college teaching and research positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and roles in archival and curatorial work.

• Academic careers: tenure-track and adjunct teaching, postdoctoral research
• Archives, museums and cultural heritage institutions (curation, conservation, research)
• Libraries and special collections, including manuscript and rare book librarianship
• Public history, heritage management and exhibition development
• Publishing, editorial work and scholarly communications
• Digital humanities, data curation and cultural analytics in research and industry settings
• Policy, education and non-profit sectors where critical historical perspective and research skills are valued

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse offers an environment conducive to deep archival and interdisciplinary research in medieval and early modern cultural history. The Department of History works closely with allied disciplines—including Classics, Art History, Religion and English—supporting cross-disciplinary supervision and coursework. Students benefit from access to the university's Special Collections Research Center and university libraries, which hold significant manuscript, rare book and archival holdings and provide training in primary-source work.

The university supports graduate students through teaching assistantships, departmental and university fellowships, and resources for conference travel and research. Faculty in the department maintain active research programmes across a range of European specialisms, enabling mentorship on topics from manuscript culture and visual artefacts to religious movements and early modern science. Interdisciplinary centres and initiatives on campus provide further opportunities for collaboration, public engagement and professional development.