State University of New York at New Paltz

What you'll study

This programme combines broad grounding in historical methods and historiography with concentrated study of medieval and early modern Europe. You will explore political, religious, social and cultural developments such as the rise of medieval kingdoms, the Crusades, Byzantine and Ottoman interactions, the Renaissance, the Reformation, print culture and the intellectual transformations of the early modern period.

• Core skills and methods: historical research and writing, source analysis, archival practice, historiography and digital history tools.
• Regional and topical courses: survey courses in medieval and early modern European history, courses in Renaissance culture, Reformation and confessionalization, urban and economic history, gender and family in pre‑modern Europe, and global connections between Europe and neighbouring regions.
• Language and specialised study: opportunities to study relevant languages (such as Latin, early modern French, German or Spanish) or to take palaeography and diplomatics to work directly with primary sources.
• Research and practical experience: senior research seminars, a capstone or honours thesis option, and supervised archival projects. Internships and placements with local museums, historical societies, and archives are encouraged to develop public-history skills.

Programme structure

The BA in History is structured around general education and major requirements. You will take introductory and intermediate core courses in history and complete a sequence of upper‑level electives focused on medieval and early modern topics. Independent research, a senior seminar or thesis, and elective coursework in related disciplines (such as art history, religious studies, anthropology, or literature) allow you to tailor the degree to specific interests.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong academic performance. Typical qualifications include a combination of recommended academic subjects and a competitive grade point average. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or qualifications where required.

• High school graduation or equivalent; college transfer applicants submit college transcripts.
• Recommended preparation: history, literature, languages and social sciences at secondary level where available.
• Application materials: official transcripts and any institution-specified forms; personal statements or writing samples may strengthen an application for a specialised focus in medieval and early modern studies.
• Transfer credit: previous university coursework in history or related fields is considered for credit and placement.

Career prospects

Graduates with a specialisation in Medieval and Early Modern European Cultural History are prepared for a range of careers that value research, critical thinking and communication skills. Many go on to further study in history, museum studies, archival science or related fields; others move into professional roles in the public and private sectors.

• Museum and heritage professions: curators, collections assistants, education officers and heritage site managers, often starting through internships or entry-level positions.
• Archives and libraries: archival technicians, records administrators, and special collections staff with additional archival training or certification.
• Education and public history: secondary teaching (with required teacher certification), programme development for cultural organisations, and interpretive roles.
• Research and publishing: graduate study leading to academic careers, or roles in research institutions, journalism and cultural publishing.
• Other professional paths: law, public administration, non-profit management, and roles in cultural policy and tourism where historical knowledge and analytical skills are valued.

Why study at State University of New York at New Paltz

SUNY New Paltz offers a strong undergraduate-centred history programme with small seminars and close faculty mentoring, making it well suited for students who want hands-on research experience. The department supports undergraduate research, thesis work and internships, and benefits from the university's proximity to rich historical resources in the Hudson Valley, New York City and regional archives.

• Faculty expertise: faculty members conduct research across medieval and early modern topics and supervise undergraduate research projects and honours theses.
• Practical opportunities: partnerships with local museums, historical societies and archives provide internship and practicum experiences that develop vocational skills.
• Study abroad and interdisciplinary options: students can augment their studies with study-abroad programmes in Europe and electives in art history, religious studies, languages and digital humanities.
• Undergraduate support: advising, research funding opportunities and career services help translate historical training into graduate study or employment.