Point Park University

What you'll study

The programme combines a core history curriculum with a concentration in Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history. You will study the political, religious and intellectual transformations of Europe from late antiquity through the Renaissance and Reformation into the early modern period, emphasising cultural practices, material culture and the lived experience of diverse social groups.

• Core modules: historical methods and historiography, research design and archival practice, survey courses in European history.
• Period and region-focused modules: Medieval Europe; The High Middle Ages; The Renaissance and its cultural contexts; The Reformation and confessional cultures; Early modern political and social change.
• Cultural and thematic modules: religion, ritual and devotional practices; urban culture and everyday life; gender and family in medieval and early modern societies; art, manuscript culture and material objects.
• Skills and source work: palaeography and manuscript analysis, paleography of Latin and vernacular scripts, palaeographic reading of primary sources, translation and language competence (often Latin and a modern European language), quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Capstone and experiential learning: an independent research seminar or senior thesis using primary sources; internships or field placements with local museums, archives and heritage organisations; opportunities for study abroad or exchange that complement the concentration.

Coursework typically combines seminars with primary-source workshops, archival assignments, research presentations and assessed essays. Small-group instruction and faculty-supervised research are central to the learning experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school completion certificate or equivalent. Admissions favour candidates with a strong academic record, particularly in humanities subjects such as history, languages, literature or related social sciences.

• Typical academic background: solid grades in secondary-level humanities; evidence of critical reading and academic writing.
• Academic references and a personal statement outlining interest in medieval and early modern history are normally required.
• Prior study of Latin or another European language is advantageous but not always mandatory; willingness to undertake language study as part of the programme is expected.
• Standardised tests are considered according to institutional policy; prospective students should check the university’s admissions guidance for current test requirements and any portfolio or interview components.

Career prospects

Graduates with this concentration develop strong research, writing and critical-thinking skills valued across many sectors. Career pathways include:

• Heritage and museums: curatorial assistance, collections management, interpretation and education roles.
• Archives and libraries: archival technician roles, digitisation projects and special collections work.
• Education and public history: secondary teaching (with appropriate certification), museum education, community engagement and historical consultancy.
• Publishing, media and communications: editorial work, content development and research for documentary or cultural projects.
• Government, non-profit and cultural policy: research analyst, programme coordination, grant writing and cultural resource management.
• Further study and research: many graduates proceed to master’s or doctoral study in history, medieval studies, heritage studies, library and information science, or related disciplines.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park offers a personalised liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which is ideal for source-based and seminar-style learning. Located in downtown Pittsburgh, the university provides convenient access to major research and cultural institutions—such as municipal archives, university special collections and regional museums—facilitating internships and primary-source research.

• Experiential opportunities: regular internship placements and partnerships with local museums and heritage organisations enhance practical skills and professional networks.
• Faculty engagement: faculty-active in research and public history supervise independent projects and guide students in archival methods and professional development.
• Interdisciplinary links: collaborations with programmes in the arts, theatre, communications and international studies allow students to explore cultural history from multiple perspectives.
• Preparation for further study: the programme’s emphasis on primary-source work, languages and independent research provides a strong foundation for graduate study.