Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous coursework, language training, and sustained supervised research to prepare students to write a substantial doctoral dissertation in medieval and early modern European cultural history. Emphases include intellectual and religious history, material and visual culture, book and print history, social and legal institutions, gender and family life, urbanism, performance and ritual, and the circulation of ideas across the Latin, vernacular, and Ottoman/Turkic/Byzantine worlds where appropriate.

• Core coursework: Advanced historiography and research methods seminars that cover archival practice, prosopography, palaeography, codicology, and theoretical approaches to cultural history.
• Field seminars: Clustered seminars on the Middle Ages and the early modern period (e.g. medieval intellectual traditions, Renaissance cultural networks, Reformation cultures, early modern print and reading practices).
• Language training: Competence in at least two languages relevant to the student’s research (commonly Latin and one or more modern European languages such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese; other languages / palaeographic training as required for source work).
• Specialist methods: Courses and workshops in digital humanities tools for codicology and text analysis, museum studies and object-based research methods, and archival fieldwork techniques.
• Teaching and professional development: Preparation for university teaching, grant-writing workshops, public history practicum opportunities, and internships with libraries, archives or museums.
• Comprehensive examinations: Written and/or oral exams to assess breadth and depth in the chosen period and thematic specialisation prior to admission to candidacy.
• Doctoral dissertation: An original, book-length research project supervised by faculty in the Department of History and often in collaboration with related units (e.g. Classics, Art History, or Medieval Studies programmes).

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master’s degree in history or a closely related humanities discipline, though exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree and significant research experience may be considered. A demonstrated background in early European history, relevant languages (Latin and at least one modern European language preferred), and prior training in historical methods strengthens an application.

• Academic transcripts: Evidence of strong academic performance at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically three academic references that can speak to the applicant’s research potential and preparation for doctoral work.
• Statement of purpose: A clear research proposal outlining principal questions, sources, languages, and how the project aligns with faculty expertise.
• Writing sample: A substantial piece of scholarship such as a master’s thesis chapter, seminar paper, or published article.
• Language evidence: Proof of competency in languages relevant to the proposed research; this may be demonstrated through coursework, certifications, or writing samples in the language.
• Interviews: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview with faculty to discuss research fit and preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue careers across academia, cultural institutions, and the public sector. Many go on to become university professors, postdoctoral researchers, and lecturers in history or related fields. Others find roles as curators, conservators, archives specialists, or research librarians in museums and libraries; positions in heritage management, historic preservation, digital humanities, and cultural policy are common paths. The programme’s emphasis on language skills, archival methods and public engagement also prepares graduates for careers in publishing, education outreach, and scholarly administration.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers doctoral students close mentorship from faculty whose research spans medieval and early modern Europe, access to interdisciplinary centres and initiatives, and partnership opportunities with nearby cultural institutions. The university’s location provides convenient access to major archival collections, museums, and research libraries, including special collections at the university library and cooperative arrangements with regional institutions. Students benefit from a supportive department culture that integrates teaching experience, professional development, and hands-on training in archival and material-culture research.

Additionally, the programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Art History, Classics, Religious Studies, and programs in Medieval Studies and the Digital Humanities, allowing students to tailor training and methodologies to their specific research agendas.