Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

This master's pathway concentrates on cultural history of medieval and early modern Europe, emphasising primary-source analysis, historiography and interdisciplinary approaches. Core elements include advanced historiography and research methods, seminars on medieval and early modern political, social and intellectual history, and courses in cultural practices such as religion, material culture, print culture and visual culture.

• Research methods and historiography: training in crafting research questions, archival research strategies, and critical reading of secondary literature.
• Medieval Europe: topics commonly covered include medieval social structures, monasticism and clergy, manuscript culture and palaeography, crusading and diplomacy, and regional case studies.
• Early modern Europe: topics commonly covered include the Reformation and confessional cultures, the rise of print and literacy, court culture and patronage, urban societies, and early modern political thought.
• Specialist skills: introduction to palaeography and diplomatic, languages for research (reading knowledge of Latin, early modern French, German or Spanish is encouraged), and archival and digital methods for historians.
• Capstone options: a substantial thesis based on original research in archives or a non-thesis option involving advanced coursework and a research portfolio or practicum in a museum, archive or digital-history project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related discipline with a good academic record. Admissions look for evidence of readiness for graduate-level research, which can include a strong undergraduate transcript, a written sample demonstrating analytical ability, a personal statement outlining research interests in medieval or early modern European cultural history, and letters of recommendation.

• Academic background: undergraduate degree in history or related field; applicants from other disciplines should demonstrate relevant coursework or experience.
• Supporting materials: statement of purpose, academic references, writing sample (essay or research paper), and official transcripts.
• Language and testing: proof of reading competency in research languages is advantageous; standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary and should be checked with the department. International applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency if required by university policy.
• Experience: prior archival, museum or research experience strengthens an application but is not always required.

Career prospects

Graduates use the analytical and research skills developed on the MA in a wide range of professional settings. The programme prepares students for doctoral study and academic careers, but also for roles outside the academy where advanced historical training is valued.

• Further study: preparation for PhD programmes in history, medieval studies, early modern studies or related interdisciplinary fields.
• Museums and archives: careers in curation, collections management, archival processing and preservation, and public programming.
• Education and public history: secondary-school teaching (with appropriate certification), historic-site interpretation, and outreach for cultural institutions.
• Heritage and cultural organisations: work in cultural resource management, heritage interpretation, grants and project management for cultural projects.
• Other sectors: publishing, libraries, research organisations, and roles in government or NGOs that value research, writing and critical thinking skills.

Why study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a graduate history programme with small cohort sizes and direct access to faculty who specialise in a range of historical periods and methodologies. The department emphasises close mentoring for research projects and flexible pathways to accommodate both thesis-focused and professional-oriented students.

• Faculty mentorship: students work closely with faculty advisers on archival research and thesis supervision, benefitting from personalised feedback and guidance on publication and conference presentation.
• Library and archival resources: access to IUP’s university library collections and regional archives provides good opportunities for primary-source research; students can also develop practical skills through local archival partnerships and internships.
• Flexible programme design: options for a research thesis or practicum allow students to tailor their studies to academic or professional goals, including experience in museums, archives or digital-history projects.
• Professional development: the department supports graduate teaching experience, grant-writing practice and career preparation workshops to help graduates transition to doctoral study or employment in cultural institutions.