University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, language training and original research centred on medieval and early modern European cultural history. Core seminars explore themes such as manuscript culture and book history, religion and ritual, material culture and art, urban and social history, intellectual and literary networks, and early modern print culture. Students typically take a mix of 5000‑level graduate seminars and reading courses that emphasise primary sources and historiographical debate.

• Research methods and historiography: seminars on archival methods, palaeography, diplomatics and the use of primary evidence.
• Language training: supervised study in one or more research languages (commonly Latin, medieval/early modern French, German or Italian) to support primary-source work.
• Specialist modules: topics such as manuscript studies, book and print culture, intellectual history, religious practices, gender and family, legal and institutional history, and urban societies in medieval and early modern Europe.
• Capstone research: options typically include a substantial MA thesis based on primary-source research or a comprehensive examination plus a research paper. Many students complete a supervised archival project or a practice-based project in digital humanities or public history.

Interdisciplinary opportunities exist with departments and programmes including Classics, Art & Art History, English, Religious Studies and the Program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Students are encouraged to engage with the university's Special Collections, manuscript holdings and digital scholarship initiatives for hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in history or a related humanities discipline with evidence of strong academic performance. A competitive application normally includes the following elements:

• Transcripts showing a strong undergraduate record.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests, relevant preparation and academic goals.
• Writing sample (typically an undergraduate essay or chapter-length sample demonstrating research and analytical skills).
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic referees who can assess scholarly potential.
• Language background in Latin or modern European languages is highly desirable; programmes expect readiness to undertake further language study where necessary.

The department's admissions policies on standardized tests and specific GPA thresholds can change; consult the History Department's graduate admissions page for the latest guidance on GRE policies, minimum requirements and supporting documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a range of careers that make use of strong research, writing and analytical skills. Typical career paths include:

• PhD study and academic careers in history and related humanities fields.
• Public history roles in museums, archives and historic sites, including curatorial and interpretation positions.
• Library and special-collections work, including manuscript curation and digitisation projects.
• Education and secondary‑school teaching (with appropriate certification), and educational programming in cultural institutions.
• Publishing, research roles in cultural organisations, heritage management, and government or non‑profit positions that value advanced analytical and communication skills.

Students also gain transferable skills—project design, textual analysis, languages and digital research methods—that are valued in many professional contexts beyond academia.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder offers a research-active History Department with faculty whose specialisations cover medieval and early modern Europe, supporting a rich environment for focused study. The university provides access to substantial research resources, including Special Collections and archives, a growing digital humanities programme, and cross‑departmental collaborations with Art & Art History, Classics, Religious Studies and Medieval & Renaissance Studies.

Students benefit from opportunities for hands-on manuscript study, summer archival work, and teaching experience through graduate assistantships. Boulder’s close cultural connection to the Denver museum and archival community also creates avenues for internships, public-history partnerships and professional networking. The department supports graduate training in languages, palaeography and methodological skills essential for careers in scholarship and heritage professions.