University of Findlay

What you'll study

This programme combines broad training in historical methods with specialised study of medieval and early modern Europe. You will take core courses that develop skills in critical reading, research, historiography and writing, alongside specialised modules focused on cultural developments, material culture, religion, art and intellectual history from c. 500 to c. 1700.

• Core history and methods: Historical Methods and Research, Historiography, Senior Capstone Seminar/Thesis.
• Medieval and early modern core modules: Early Medieval Europe, High Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, Early Modern Europe.
• Cultural and thematic courses: Medieval Religion and Society, Court Culture and Patronage, Art and Material Culture of the Middle Ages, Witchcraft, Magic and Popular Belief, Gender and Family in Early Modern Europe.
• Language and source skills: Introductory Latin (for medieval sources), Palaeography and Manuscript Studies, Reading Primary Sources, and elective modern languages where relevant.
• Interdisciplinary and applied options: Digital History and GIS for historians, Museum Studies/Curatorship, Public History Practicum, Archaeological Approaches to the Past.
• Experiential learning: Internship placements with regional museums, archives and historical societies, study-abroad opportunities in Europe, and faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects culminating in a capstone.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary-school diploma or equivalent. Typical academic preparation includes courses in history, English or the humanities and demonstrated ability in reading and writing. Admissions commonly consider the overall academic record, a personal statement that explains your interest in medieval and early modern history, and one or more letters of recommendation.

• Domestic applicants: successful completion of secondary education with a competitive academic record and a substantive personal statement; prior coursework in history or English is advantageous.
• International applicants: an approved secondary qualification comparable to the US high-school diploma plus evidence of English proficiency if English is not your first language.
• Transfer and non‑traditional students: college transcripts and a description of prior coursework or relevant experience; transfer credit for appropriate history courses may be awarded following review.
• Recommended preparation: coursework that develops critical reading and essay-writing skills; language study (Latin, French, German, Italian or Spanish) is beneficial for primary-source work.

Career prospects

Graduates with a specialised grounding in medieval and early modern cultural history move into a wide range of careers that value research, communication and analytical skills. The degree prepares you for both immediate employment and further study.

• Heritage sector: museum technician or curator's assistant, collections management, interpretive planning and museum education.
• Archives and libraries: archival processing, records management, digital preservation and special collections work.
• Public history and cultural resource management: work with historical sites, preservation organisations and cultural NGOs.
• Education and academia: secondary teaching (with appropriate certification) and postgraduate study (MA/PhD) in history, medieval studies or related fields.
• Professional sectors: publishing, journalism, public policy, law, and business roles that value strong research and writing skills; digital humanities and information technology roles that intersect with historical data.

Why study at University of Findlay

The University of Findlay offers a supportive liberal-arts environment with small class sizes, close faculty mentorship and opportunities for hands-on learning. History faculty are committed to undergraduate teaching and to supervising student research projects, including archival work and conference presentations. The programme emphasises experiential learning through internships with local and regional museums and historical societies and provides organised study-abroad pathways to important European archives and sites.

Findlay’s approach integrates traditional source analysis with training in palaeography, languages and digital tools, preparing students both for careers in the heritage sector and for advanced study. As an undergraduate-centred institution, the university helps students build professional networks through practicum placements, alumni contacts and collaborations with cultural institutions in Ohio and beyond.