University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines core historical methods with topical and regional courses that allow you to concentrate on medieval and early modern Europe. You will study the major political, religious and cultural developments from the fall of Rome through the Renaissance and Reformation to the age of exploration and state formation in the seventeenth century.

• Core skills and methods: courses in historical research methods, historiography, archival practice, and digital history emphasise source criticism, written argument and oral presentation.
• Medieval Europe: survey and specialised modules covering topics such as medieval political institutions, the church and monasticism, crusading, and everyday life in the Middle Ages.
• Early modern Europe: modules on the Renaissance, the Reformation and confessionalisation, early modern intellectual and cultural history, gender and family, and the impact of exploration and empire.
• Language and palaeography: options to study relevant modern languages (for example French, German, Italian) and introductory palaeography or Latin for reading primary texts.
• Research and independent study: opportunities for an honours or capstone research project, independent study tutorials, and participation in faculty-led research groups.
• Practical experience: internships, public history projects and partnerships with campus special collections and local museums allow hands-on work with original documents and exhibition practice.

Entry requirements

Entry to the bachelor’s in History typically requires a completed secondary school qualification appropriate to your country (for example a high school diploma, A levels, IB or equivalent). US applicants are normally expected to meet the University of Southern Mississippi’s general admission standards; international applicants must provide evidence of comparable academic preparation and English language proficiency.

Specific departmental expectations include strong performance in humanities courses and demonstrated interest in history. Applicants may strengthen their application with examples of written work, a personal statement outlining their interest in medieval and early modern studies, or relevant extracurricular experience such as museum volunteering or archival internships.

Career prospects

Graduates develop versatile skills in research, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and information literacy that are valued across public and private sectors. Typical career paths for students who focus on medieval and early modern history include:

• Archivist, records manager or special collections assistant in libraries, archives and heritage institutions.
• Museum professional, curator or education officer involved in exhibition development and public programming.
• Teaching at primary or secondary level (usually after completing teacher certification) and further study leading to higher education roles.
• Public history roles in heritage agencies, historic sites, and cultural tourism.
• Careers in publishing, journalism, law, government and non-profit sectors where analytical and communication skills are required.
• Postgraduate study (MA/PhD) for those aiming at academic research in medieval or early modern studies.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The Department of History at the University of Southern Mississippi offers small-group teaching with faculty whose research covers European cultural, religious and intellectual history. Students have access to the McCain Library and Archives and the university’s special collections, enabling direct work with primary sources and rare materials relevant to early modern studies.

The university supports undergraduate research, study-abroad programmes and internship placements that let students gain practical experience in museums, archives and public history settings. Faculty mentorship, opportunities for independent study and a campus environment that encourages interdisciplinary work make Southern Miss a strong choice for students wishing to pursue medieval and early modern European cultural history.