Susquehanna University

What you'll study

The programme combines survey courses, focussed chronological and thematic modules, language training and research methods to give a rounded grounding in medieval and early modern European cultural history. Core topics typically include medieval political and social institutions, the intellectual and religious culture of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation and confessional Europe, and cultural responses to urbanisation and early capitalism.

• Foundations and surveys: broad courses on medieval Europe and early modern Europe that establish chronology, major actors and long-term developments.
• Thematic modules: topics such as religious practice and reform, the history of ideas, gender and family life, witchcraft and popular belief, art and material culture, urban and economic history.
• Language and sources: undergraduate training in relevant languages (for example Latin and modern languages such as French or German where available) together with palaeography and the study of primary texts and material evidence.
• Historical methods and historiography: classes on research methods, critical use of sources, archival practice and the evolution of historical interpretation.
• Seminar and capstone: small, seminar-style classes in upper years culminating in a senior research project or capstone that requires original analysis of primary sources under faculty supervision.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: opportunities to take complementary courses in art history, literature, religious studies, classics or political thought to situate cultural developments in broader intellectual and artistic contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary-school diploma or equivalent. Susquehanna values strong preparation in humanities subjects, evidenced by academic transcripts, a personal statement that explains interest in history and cultural studies, and letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors.

• Academic record: competitive high-school grades with coursework in history, English or related humanities disciplines.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement and at least one recommendation; holistic review may consider extracurricular engagement, especially research projects, history clubs or relevant volunteer experience.
• International applicants: must present equivalent secondary qualifications and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior English-medium study where required by the university.
• Transfer students: submit official college transcripts and any course descriptions for evaluation; prior college-level work in history will be considered in placement and credit decisions.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history develop strong research, writing and critical thinking skills prized across many fields. Career paths commonly pursued include secondary and higher education (with appropriate certification or further study), museum and archival work, cultural heritage and preservation, public history and interpretation, publishing and journalism, and positions in nonprofits or government.

• Further study: many students continue to graduate study in history, medieval studies, museum studies, library and information science, law or related disciplines.
• Practical roles: archive assistant, collections manager, education officer, research associate, or roles in historic sites and cultural organisations.
• Transferable careers: employers in business, public administration and consulting value the programme’s emphasis on analysis, communication and project management.

Why study at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna is a small, residential liberal-arts university that emphasises close faculty-student collaboration, small seminars and intensive writing—qualities that benefit students of historical and cultural inquiry. History students work closely with faculty on original research, and the department encourages use of archival sources and primary texts.

• Small classes and close mentoring: seminar-style teaching allows sustained discussion of primary sources and regular feedback on research and writing.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships and practicum placements with regional museums, historic sites and archives, and for student-faculty research projects.
• Study abroad and global perspective: the university supports semester and short-term programmes in Europe, which are particularly valuable for students focused on medieval and early modern topics.
• Interdisciplinary environment: easy access to related departments—such as art history, classics, religious studies and modern languages—helps students develop well-rounded perspectives on cultural history.