Marywood University

What you'll study

This programme centres on the political, social, religious and cultural transformations of Europe from the later Roman world through the early modern period. You will study a mix of survey and specialised modules that introduce broad chronological frameworks and then move into concentrated study of themes and regions.

• Core medieval and early modern surveys — overviews of the High Middle Ages, late medieval societies, the Renaissance and the Reformation.
• Cultural and intellectual history — courses on medieval thought, scholasticism, humanism, print culture and the circulation of ideas.
• Religious and social history — examinations of medieval Christianity, monasticism, lay piety, confessionalisation and social change in early modern Europe.
• Material culture and art — study of manuscripts, architecture, liturgy, visual culture and the methods used to interpret objects and spaces.
• Language and palaeography — training in reading medieval and early modern Latin and in paleographic methods for working with manuscripts and archival records; modern foreign language study is encouraged or required depending on elective choices.
• Research methods and historiography — workshops in historical research, archival practice, historiographical debates and digital methods for historians.
• Capstone project or thesis — an independent research project supervised by a faculty member, often grounded in primary-source work.
• Experiential learning — opportunities for internships with local museums, archives and historic sites, plus study abroad options that allow direct engagement with European archives and collections.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admission decisions are based on academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in humanities and social sciences, a personal statement outlining interest in history and medieval/early modern studies, and at least one academic recommendation. Marywood typically considers applicants who have completed coursework in history, English and foreign language; demonstrated facility with analytical writing is important.

Standardised test scores may be optional in some admissions cycles; consult the university for current testing policies. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised language tests or approved exemptions. Mature and transfer applicants are evaluated on prior college-level work and related experience.

Career prospects

Graduates with a specialised grounding in medieval and early modern cultural history are prepared for a wide range of careers that value research, critical thinking and communication skills. Typical destinations include:

• Museums and galleries — curatorial assistance, collections management, education and exhibition work.
• Archives and libraries — archival processing, reference work, conservation support and records management.
• Heritage and public history — historic site interpretation, cultural resource management and community history projects.
• Education and publishing — secondary teaching (with certification where required), editorial and research roles in academic and trade publishing.
• Non-profit and cultural organisations — programme coordination, grant writing and outreach for cultural institutions.
• Further study and professions — many graduates move on to master’s and doctoral programmes in history, museum studies, library science or to professional schools such as law.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which is especially valuable for archival and primary-source based fields. History students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across art history, religious studies and the humanities, and from faculty who supervise original research projects and capstones.

The university’s location provides access to regional archives, museums and historic collections for internships and fieldwork, while study-abroad partnerships allow students to work in European archives and historic sites. Support services such as career advising, research funding for undergraduate projects and writing workshops help students build the practical skills employers and graduate programmes seek.

Overall, the programme combines traditional historiographical training with hands-on experience in languages, palaeography and material culture, preparing graduates to interpret and communicate the complex cultural histories of medieval and early modern Europe.