Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This master's programme combines intensive seminars in medieval and early modern European history with practical training in research methods and source work. Typical topics include medieval intellectual and religious life, the history of the book and print culture, material and visual culture, gender and family in early Europe, urban and social history, and the Reformation and confessional cultures. Coursework emphasises close reading of primary sources and the historiographical debates that shape interpretation.

Students take a mix of small seminars and methodological courses that may cover palaeography and diplomatic, Latin or vernacular language reading for historians, archival research techniques, and digital humanities tools for cultural-historical analysis. The programme culminates in a substantial piece of original research—either a supervised master's thesis or a capstone research project—developed under faculty supervision and drawing on archival and primary-source work.

• Core seminars in medieval and early modern European history
• Research methods, historiography, and source analysis
• Language training and palaeography (where relevant to student research)
• Electives in material culture, book history, religious history, gender, legal and economic history
• Thesis or substantial research project with faculty supervision

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree in history or a related humanities or social science discipline and demonstrate strong academic preparation in historical study. The application typically requires official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests in medieval or early modern Europe, two or three academic references, and a sample of academic writing that shows capacity for archival and textual analysis.

Competence in relevant languages (for example Latin, French, German, Italian or Spanish) is an advantage for research in this field; programmes often expect applicants to indicate their language background and plans for developing language skills. International applicants must meet the university's English-language proficiency requirements. The GRE is not generally required, but applicants should check the department's current admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme pursue a range of careers that make use of advanced research, critical analysis and communication skills. Common pathways include:

• Progression to doctoral study in history or related fields for those aiming at academic careers
• Work in archives, special collections, museums, and cultural heritage organisations, including curatorial and collections management roles
• Public history and education roles in historical sites, interpretive centres and non-profit organisations
• Publishing, editorial and research roles where skill in historical sources and narrative is valued
• Library and information science careers (often in combination with further professional qualification), and roles in policy, communications or the cultural sector

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers a Jesuit liberal arts approach that emphasises intellectual rigour, ethical engagement and interdisciplinary learning, supported by close mentorship from faculty with expertise in medieval and early modern Europe. The programme benefits from small seminar sizes and opportunities for sustained one-on-one supervision of research projects.

Situated in Chicago, students have access to exceptional research resources beyond the university, including major special collections, historic libraries and museums in the city that support primary-source research. Loyola's own Special Collections and University Archives, together with partnerships and internship opportunities, help students gain practical experience in archival work and public-facing history practice.

Finally, the department encourages interdisciplinary connections—linking history with literature, art history, religious studies and digital humanities—allowing students to tailor their training to research interests and career plans while developing the transferable skills employers and doctoral programmes seek.