Fairmont State University

What you'll study

This programme combines broad historical foundations with specialised study of medieval and early modern Europe. You will study political and social developments from the fall of the Western Roman Empire through the Renaissance and Reformation, with attention to cultural practices, religion, gender, material culture and intellectual life.

• Core modules in historical methods and historiography, research skills and public history.
• Survey courses covering the Middle Ages and early modern Europe, including Byzantine, Carolingian, medieval monarchies, the Renaissance and the English, French and German early modern states.
• Specialist modules on topics such as medieval religion and the papacy, the Reformation and confessionalisation, witchcraft and popular belief, urban and economic history, and the history of science and ideas.
• Language study (commonly Latin and/or a modern European language such as French or German) to support primary-source reading.
• Practical modules in palaeography and archival research, records management, and digital humanities tools for history (text encoding, databases, GIS mapping of historical sources).
• Options for a research seminar and a senior capstone or honours thesis focused on an original topic in medieval or early modern cultural history.
• Opportunities for internships with local museums, archives and cultural organisations and short-term study abroad or exchange placements with partner institutions in Europe to work with primary materials.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary-school diploma or equivalent and to meet Fairmont State University's general undergraduate admission standards. Typical documentation includes official transcripts, a personal statement outlining your interest in history, and one or more academic references.

Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong writing and analytical ability, evidence of coursework in social studies or humanities, and an aptitude for language learning. Transfer students should provide college transcripts; mature and non-traditional applicants are welcome and assessed on the strength of prior learning and experience. International students must meet the university's English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills in critical reading, research, argumentation, source evaluation and communication that are valued across many sectors. Career paths commonly followed by students of medieval and early modern cultural history include:

• Museum and archive work (curation, collections management, archival processing)
• Public history and heritage management, including interpretation at historic sites and tourism organisations
• Education and teaching (entry to teaching often requires additional certification)
• Library and information services, including special collections
• Publishing, journalism and cultural journalism
• Research and postgraduate study in history, medieval studies, or related disciplines
• Cultural resource management, nonprofit leadership, and roles in government or cultural policy
• Careers where research, writing and complex problem-solving are central, including law, business and consulting

Why study at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State provides a close-knit learning environment with small seminar sizes that allow direct engagement with faculty who specialise in European history and cultural approaches to the past. Students benefit from hands-on training in archival methods and digital tools, links with regional museums and historic sites, and practical internship opportunities that apply classroom learning to real collections and public programmes.

The department encourages undergraduate research and offers mentoring for conference presentations and preparation for graduate study. Language and research training prepare students to work with primary sources, and the university's supportive campus community can help combine academic study with experiential placements and study-abroad options that deepen your understanding of medieval and early modern European cultures.