Emory University

What you'll study

The programme combines a broad foundation in historical methods with specialised coursework on medieval and early modern Europe. Core offerings focus on historical interpretation, historiography and research methods; specialised modules examine topics such as medieval religious culture, the history of the book, urban life and material culture, the Renaissance and Reformation, early modern science and intellectual history, and empire and cross-cultural contact.

• Skills and methods: source criticism, palaeography and manuscript studies, archival research, digital-history tools and oral-history techniques.
• Language training: intensive study in at least one European language (commonly Latin, French, German, Italian or Spanish) to enable work with primary sources.
• Small seminars and research: upper-level seminars emphasise primary-source interpretation and sustained research, often culminating in a substantial research paper or honours thesis.
• Interdisciplinary options: courses may be taken across departments — such as Religious Studies, Classics, Art History, Comparative Literature and Anthropology — to contextualise cultural developments.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships, supervised archival projects, digital exhibitions and study abroad programmes in European centres of medieval and early modern research.

Entry requirements

Admission to Emory is selective and based on a holistic review of each applicant. Candidates for the History major are expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation and a record of achievement in secondary-school studies.

• Competitive secondary-school transcript showing rigorous course selection and high academic performance.
• Personal statement that explains your interest in history and, where relevant, a focus on medieval or early modern topics.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can speak to your analytical and written-communication skills.
• Preparation in humanities subjects is recommended; prior study of history and at least one foreign language is advantageous.
• Once enrolled, students typically declare the major after completing introductory coursework and an advising meeting with department faculty.

Career prospects

A degree in medieval and early modern cultural history develops transferable skills — critical reading, research, writing, languages and evidence-based argument — that are valued across many sectors. Graduates pursue careers in:

• Archives, libraries and museums: curatorial work, collections management and conservation.
• Education and public history: secondary teaching, historical interpretation, heritage management and museum education.
• Publishing, journalism and communications: editorial roles, content development and cultural criticism.
• Law, public policy and government: roles that rely on analysis, research and clear communication.
• Academic research: many graduates continue to MA and PhD programmes in history, medieval studies or related disciplines.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers close faculty mentoring and a liberal-arts environment that encourages cross-disciplinary study. The History Department supports specialised work in medieval and early modern Europe through small seminars and opportunities for independent research. Campus resources strengthen learning and research: students have access to Emory's libraries and special collections, including rare books and manuscript holdings, and can pursue internships with local museums and cultural institutions. Emory's study-abroad and exchange programmes also make it straightforward to spend time at European archives and libraries, complementing classroom study with on-site research and language immersion.