Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

This programme combines intensive coursework in European medieval and early modern cultural history with language training, hands-on archival work and either a substantial thesis or a supervised research project. Core elements include historiography and research methods, advanced seminars on topics such as medieval intellectual history, late medieval religion and society, Renaissance and Reformation cultural change, book history and print culture, and art and material culture of pre-modern Europe.

• Research methods and historiography: seminars on historical theory, archival practice, palaeography and manuscript studies.
• Regional and thematic seminars: focused courses on topics such as medieval pilgrimage and devotion, courts and political culture, gender and family in early Europe, science and learning before 1700, and urban and economic life.
• Language training: supervised study of Latin and at least one modern European language commonly used in primary sources (for example, French, German, Italian, or Spanish).
• Primary-source work: seminars and research placements using manuscripts, rare books and archival collections; opportunities to work with special collections such as IU’s Lilly Library holdings and regional archives.
• Thesis or capstone option: students typically choose between a research thesis (suitable preparation for PhD work) or a substantial supervised research project demonstrating skills in source-based interpretation.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to serve as graduate teaching assistants, to take courses on college-level pedagogy, and to pursue internships with museums, archives or public-history projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelors degree in history or a related humanities/social-science discipline. Strong applications typically demonstrate: a record of high academic achievement; relevant coursework in history or related fields; prior experience with primary-source work where available; and language preparation or evidence of ability to acquire necessary reading languages.

• Application materials: official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests in medieval or early modern cultural history, a writing sample (preferably a seminar or research essay), a CV, and academic references (commonly three).
• Standardised tests: GRE scores may be optional or considered; consult the department for current practice.
• English language proficiency: required of applicants whose first language is not English; acceptable evidence includes recognised proficiency tests or equivalent academic preparation.
• Language expectations: competence in Latin and at least one modern European language is strongly encouraged before or early in the programme; the department will advise on appropriate preparation and available language courses.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of careers that value research, analysis and specialised knowledge of pre-modern Europe. Typical paths include progression to PhD study and academic careers, work in museums and archives, roles in cultural heritage and conservation, public-history positions, publishing, library and curatorial work, and research or policy roles in non-profit and governmental organisations.

• Academic and research careers: PhD programmes, postdoctoral research and teaching positions in history and related fields.
• Museums and archives: curatorial, collections-management and archival-specialist roles, benefiting from manuscript and rare-book experience.
• Public history and cultural heritage: interpretation, education and outreach for historic sites, heritage bodies and cultural organisations.
• Publishing and communications: editorial, research and content-development roles that require strong writing and interpretive skills.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a strong intellectual environment for medieval and early modern studies, anchored in a history department with faculty specialising in European cultural, religious and intellectual history. The campus provides exceptional research resources for pre-modernists, including the Lilly Librarys collections of manuscripts and early printed books, and cross-disciplinary connections with the Medieval Studies Program and departments of art history, religious studies and languages.

Students benefit from active seminars, opportunities to work on original manuscripts and rare materials, and access to training in palaeography and digital humanities tools. Graduate teaching positions and departmental mentoring help develop professional skills for academic and public-facing careers alike, while Bloomingtons scholarly community and visiting-speaker programmes provide additional networking and research opportunities.