University of Iowa

What you'll study

This programme is built around a core of chronological and thematic courses in medieval and early modern Europe, complemented by broader training in historical methods. You will study topics such as medieval political institutions and kingship, monasticism and religious reform, the Renaissance and humanism, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, the rise of print culture, early modern urban life, gender and family in early Europe, and the cultural history of science and exploration.

Typical modules and course experiences include:

• Medieval Europe: surveys of the early, high and late medieval periods, including feudal society, crusading movements and late medieval states.
• Renaissance and Reformation: courses on cultural renewal, art and patronage, the intellectual history of humanism and confessional conflicts.
• Social and cultural themes: gender, crime and punishment, urban and rural economies, ritual, and everyday life.
• Intellectual and religious history: theology, scholasticism, early modern philosophy and scientific change.
• Languages and skills: supervised instruction or recommended study in Latin and a modern European language (for example French or German), palaeography, and archival research methods.
• Research and capstone: seminars focused on primary-source analysis, a senior research seminar or honours thesis, and opportunities for presentation at undergraduate research forums.

Students are encouraged to combine coursework with hands-on work in Special Collections & University Archives, participate in study abroad programmes to experience European archives and museums, and to take electives in art history, literature or classics to deepen cultural perspectives.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Iowa follows the institution's standard undergraduate criteria. Successful applicants typically present a strong secondary-school record with college-preparatory coursework. Recommended preparation includes humanities and social-science subjects, and demonstrated competence in reading and writing.

Specific expectations for the History major include:

• Completion of the university's general admissions requirements (high-school diploma or equivalent for first‑year applicants; transfer applicants should meet transfer-credit policies).
• Evidence of strong written communication skills, shown through grades in humanities courses, essays, and any submitted writing samples where requested.
• Preparation or willingness to learn relevant languages—Latin is particularly useful for medieval study, while French or German are valuable for early modern scholarship.
• International applicants must meet the University of Iowa's English-language proficiency requirements by accepted tests or credentials.

There are no additional programme-specific entrance examinations, but some advanced or honours research options may require faculty permission or a competitive application within the department.

Career prospects

Graduates with a specialism in medieval and early modern European cultural history develop strong analytical, research and communication skills that are attractive across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Museums, archives and cultural heritage roles (curation, collections management, archival technician)
• Public history and interpretation (historic sites, heritage organisations, digital public history projects)
• Publishing, journalism and editorial work
• Education (secondary teaching with appropriate teacher certification) and library science
• Non-profit and policy organisations, including cultural policy and community engagement
• Pre‑professional routes such as law, business or government service, where critical thinking and clear writing are valued
• Academic research and teaching at the postgraduate level for those who pursue master's and doctoral study

Undergraduate research experience, internships with libraries and museums, and study abroad can strengthen employability and provide practical pathways into these fields.

Why study at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers a large, research-active history department with a wide range of faculty expertise in medieval and early modern Europe, giving students access to specialised courses and close faculty mentorship. The university's library system, including Special Collections & Archives, provides strong primary-source resources for hands-on study of manuscripts, early printed books and archival documents.

Students benefit from opportunities for undergraduate research, honours projects, and study abroad partnerships that make European archives and cultural sites accessible. The university's supportive environment for humanities students, combined with interdisciplinary links to art history, classics, religious studies and the arts, makes it a strong place to pursue cultural history across the medieval and early modern periods.