Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core historical skills with focused courses on medieval and early modern Europe. You will study chronological surveys and thematic classes covering topics such as the fall of Rome and the medieval kingdoms, the rise of Christianity and Islam in Europe, crusading and cross-cultural contact, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution and the political and cultural transformations of the seventeenth century.

• Core modules: historical methods and historiography, research and writing in history, and an upper-division capstone or senior seminar.
• Period and region courses: Medieval Europe, High Medieval Society, Late Medieval and Early Modern England, Early Modern France, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Mediterranean world.
• Thematic courses: religion and reformations, early modern intellectual history, gender and family in pre-modern Europe, social and economic history, law and governance, and cultural production (art, literature and material culture).
• Skills and methods: palaeography and reading premodern languages (often introductory Latin), archival methods, working with manuscript and printed primary sources, digital history tools and public history practices.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for undergraduate research projects, internships with local archives and museums, study abroad options focused on European archives and libraries, and community-based public history work.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA in History follows Boise State's undergraduate entry process. Typical applicants will have completed a secondary school qualification equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma with a competitive GPA. International applicants normally need to demonstrate proficiency in English through approved tests if their prior education was not in English. Transfer students are assessed on collegiate work already completed and should meet general transfer credit policies.

• Recommended academic preparation: courses in history, literature, languages, and writing during secondary education.
• Placement: students may be placed into first-year writing and core history courses; some upper-division medieval/early modern classes may recommend or require introductory language study.
• Additional requirements: for non-native English speakers, an approved English proficiency test score is required; specific placement in language or writing courses may follow.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in Medieval and Early Modern European Cultural History develop research, critical thinking, writing and interpretive skills valued across many sectors. Alumni move into a range of careers and further study pathways.

• Heritage and museums: curatorial work, education and collections management at museums and historic sites.
• Archives and libraries: archival technician roles, records management and special collections work, often beginning with internships and certification pathways.
• Public history and interpretation: producing exhibitions, digital storytelling, education programmes and working with cultural organisations and government heritage agencies.
• Education and academic paths: secondary teaching (with appropriate teacher certification), and graduate study leading to academic research or university teaching.
• Professional sectors: law, public administration, publishing, journalism, non-profit management and consulting, where research, analysis and clear communication are in demand.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State's Department of History offers small classes and close faculty mentoring that benefit students pursuing specialised fields such as medieval and early modern studies. The university supports undergraduate research and public history projects, connecting students with local cultural organisations, archives and museums in Boise for internships and practicum experience.

• Access to regional resources: proximity to the Idaho State Archives, local museums and a lively public humanities community provides hands-on opportunities for working with primary materials.
• Faculty expertise: instructors with research interests in European history and related fields supervise independent study and undergraduate research.
• Study abroad and language support: pathways to study in Europe and foundational language instruction (for example in Latin or modern European languages) strengthen students' ability to work with primary sources.
• Career support: university career services and department-led advising help translate historical training into internships, graduate applications and jobs in the public and private sectors.