Ohio Wesleyan University

What you'll study

This programme combines chronological breadth with cultural and methodological depth. Core themes include the transition from late antiquity to the medieval world, the social and religious cultures of medieval Europe, the Renaissance and Reformation, and early modern political and intellectual developments. You will study primary source materials (translated and in original languages where appropriate), visual and material culture, and the historiography of medieval and early modern studies.

• Foundations and methods: historiography, research methods, archival practice, palaeography and introductory Latin or other European language study relevant to primary sources.
• Medieval topics: topics such as medieval religion and society, feudalism and lordship, crusading and pilgrimage, gender and family in the Middle Ages, and the literature and legal culture of medieval Europe.
• Early modern topics: the Renaissance, the Reformation and confessional cultures, state formation and diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the history of science and print culture.
• Interdisciplinary approaches: courses that integrate art history, religious studies, legal history, and material culture to explore everyday life, ritual and identity in pre-modern Europe.
• Capstone and independent research: a senior seminar or thesis project requiring original research in primary and secondary sources under close faculty supervision.
• Practical experience: opportunities for internships with museums, archives, historical societies, and digital history projects, plus study abroad options to work with European archives and collections.

Entry requirements

Ohio Wesleyan considers applicants on a holistic basis. Typical successful applicants have strong secondary-school records with particular strength in humanities or social-science subjects. Admissions will look for demonstrated skills in reading, writing and critical analysis.

• Academic preparation: strong high-school performance; background in history, literature, classics or languages is advantageous.
• Language skills: prior study of Latin, French, German or another relevant European language is helpful but not always required; students without language background can often begin language study as part of the degree.
• Supporting materials: a well-crafted personal statement that explains interest in medieval and early modern history, teacher or counsellor recommendations, and samples of written work may strengthen an application.
• Placement and advising: incoming students meet with faculty advisers to map a programme of study, including language training and research opportunities.

Career prospects

A degree focused on Medieval and Early Modern European Cultural History develops transferable skills valued by employers: critical thinking, close reading, archival research, historical argumentation and clear written communication. Graduates follow a range of career paths.

• Academic and research careers: many graduates progress to postgraduate study (MA, PhD) and careers in university teaching and scholarship in history, medieval studies and related fields.
• Museums and archives: roles in curation, collections management, conservation support, and public programming at museums, libraries and archives.
• Public history and heritage: work with heritage organisations, historic sites, tourism and education departments creating interpretive materials, exhibitions and community projects.
• Publishing, media and communications: editorial, research and content roles that draw on historical research and storytelling skills.
• Law, government and policy: analytical and writing skills prepare graduates for law school, public administration, and policy-related careers.
• Digital humanities and cultural resource management: opportunities in digital projects, databases, and cultural information systems that require both technical and historical expertise.

Why study at Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan is a small liberal-arts university offering close faculty mentoring and small, discussion-driven classes that are well suited to intensive work on primary texts and independent research projects. History majors benefit from regular access to faculty with expertise in European history, opportunities for undergraduate research, and a senior capstone that foregrounds original archival work.

• Faculty engagement: one-on-one mentorship and supervised research with faculty who guide language study, archival techniques and thesis work.
• Research and internship opportunities: partnerships with local museums, historical societies and libraries allow hands-on experience with collections and public-facing projects.
• Study abroad options: programs and exchange opportunities in Europe provide direct access to archives, monuments and libraries that complement classroom study.
• Interdisciplinary environment: collaboration with departments such as Art History, Religious Studies and Classics enriches cultural-historical perspectives and broadens career preparation.