Augustana University

What you'll study

The programme combines broad historical survey courses with specialised modules in medieval and early modern European cultural history. You will study political and religious change, daily life and material culture, intellectual movements, and the history of art, music and book production across regions such as Western and Central Europe. Coursework emphasises engagement with primary sources (in translation and, where appropriate, in original languages), historiography and interdisciplinary approaches drawing on literature, art history and archaeology.

• Core skills and methods: historical research methods, archival practice, palaeography basics, and critical analysis of primary texts and visual sources.
• Typical modules: surveys of medieval Europe; the Renaissance and Reformation; the history of medieval and early modern religion; socio-economic history of pre-modern Europe; the history of childhood and family; manuscript culture and the history of the book; art and material culture; introductions to Latin or modern European languages relevant to source work.
• Capstone and practical work: senior seminar or honours thesis, independent research projects, and practicum options involving local archives, museums or digital humanities projects.
• Opportunities: study-abroad options in Europe, faculty-led research trips, internships with cultural institutions, and collaborative projects with the university library’s special collections.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Augustana University's standard undergraduate admission requirements, including a secondary-school diploma or equivalent and submission of official transcripts. Admissions typically consider an applicant’s academic record, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Prior coursework in humanities subjects (history, English, languages) is advantageous, and preparation in a relevant language (Latin, French, German or another modern European language) is helpful but not always required.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of prior coursework; those wishing to pursue an honours or intensive research track may be asked to demonstrate readiness through previous coursework or a writing sample. Prospective students interested in teacher certification should consult the education department for additional credential requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in History focused on medieval and early modern Europe develop transferable skills prized by employers: advanced research and writing, critical thinking, source evaluation, and contextual analysis. Career paths commonly followed by alumni include:

• Museum and gallery work (curating, collections management, education)
• Archives and library services
• Public history and heritage management
• Secondary and post-secondary teaching (with appropriate certification or postgraduate study)
• Publishing, journalism and communications
• Government, cultural policy and non-profit sector roles
• Further academic study leading to careers in research and higher education, or professional programmes such as law.

Internships, study-abroad experience and the department’s emphasis on hands-on research increase employability for museum, archival and heritage roles.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana University is a liberal-arts environment that emphasises close faculty-student mentorship and undergraduate research. History students benefit from small seminar-style classes, one-on-one supervision for senior projects, and access to the university library’s special collections and local archival resources. The department supports experiential learning through internships with regional museums and cultural organisations and offers advising to integrate study-abroad and language study into your degree.

Faculty in the history department pursue research across periods and regions, creating opportunities for students to assist with original research and to present at student symposia. The combination of rigorous coursework, practical experience and personalised guidance prepares graduates for both professional roles in the cultural sector and further academic study.