university of illinois springfield

What you'll study

The programme combines broad historical foundations with specialised study of medieval and early modern Europe. You will read and analyse primary texts, study cultural, religious and political change, and learn research methods used by professional historians. Typical subject areas include:

• Medieval Europe: political, social and cultural developments from the early Middle Ages through the later medieval period.
• Renaissance and Reformation: intellectual, artistic and religious transformations across Europe and their global connections.
• Early Modern political and social history: state formation, war and diplomacy, urban and rural life, and economic change.
• Religion and culture: the role of Christianity and other belief systems, devotional practices, and cultural production (literature, art, music).
• Historiography and methods: historical reasoning, archival techniques, palaeography and critical source analysis.
• Language and sources: options to study or use Latin, and work with translated primary sources; training in reading early-modern print and manuscript conventions.
• Capstone and research seminars: guided independent research project or honours thesis synthesising primary and secondary materials.

The curriculum typically includes core history courses, skills modules in research and writing, elective options to tailor the medieval/early modern focus, and opportunities for internships, independent study and study abroad to work directly with archives and museums.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA in History at UIS generally requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Transfer applicants are considered on the basis of college transcripts. Admissions decisions take account of academic preparation in humanities and social sciences, overall academic performance and the strength of written materials.

International applicants must meet the university's English proficiency requirements through recognised tests or demonstrated prior study in English. Mature applicants and students with prior college experience are welcome; specific placement in language or introductory history courses may be advised after admission. Prospective students should consult UIS admissions for details about documentation, placement testing and any additional requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a specialism in Medieval and Early Modern European Cultural History develop skills in critical reading, research, source interpretation, written and oral communication, and archival practice. These skills are applicable to a variety of careers, including:

• Public history and museums: curatorial work, interpretation, collections management and exhibit development.
• Archives and records management: positions in repositories, libraries and government archives.
• Education: secondary teaching (often in combination with teacher certification) and postsecondary study leading to academic careers.
• Heritage and cultural resource management: conservation, site interpretation and programme management.
• Publishing, journalism and communications: editing, content development and research roles.
• Public service, non-profits and law: policy work, legislative staff roles, and preparation for graduate or professional school.

Many graduates also continue to MA or PhD programmes in history or related fields, or pursue specialised professional training in museum studies, archival science or library science.

Why study at university of illinois springfield

UIS offers a small-campus environment with close faculty mentorship and emphasis on undergraduate research, allowing students to pursue sustained primary-source projects. Its location in Springfield gives ready access to major public history resources and archives, including state government records and the nearby Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which create strong internship and practicum possibilities. The department supports experiential learning through internships, independent study and study-abroad options, helping students translate historical skills into practical experience. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows concentration in medieval and early modern topics while acquiring broadly transferable analytical and communication abilities.