Emory University

What you'll study

This MA combines advanced study of primary sources with training in historical methods. Core work emphasises cultural history—religion, visual and material culture, gender, urban life, and intellectual exchange—across medieval and early modern Europe. Students take seminars that explore topics such as medieval manuscript culture, the Renaissance and Reformation, early modern print and performance, and transnational networks in the early modern period.

• Methodology and theory: historiography, palaeography, codicology, and approaches to cultural analysis.
• Language and sources: supervised study of relevant languages (commonly Latin and modern European languages) and hands‑on work with archival and printed sources.
• Specialist seminars: subjects include medieval intellectual history, early modern religious culture, art and materiality, book history, and urban societies.
• Digital methods and public history: training in digital humanities tools for text analysis, mapping and curatorial practice.
• Capstone research: an independent research project or thesis supervised by faculty, grounded in primary-source work.

Teaching is seminar-based with a balance of close source-reading, comparative essays and oral presentation. Students are encouraged to take electives in related departments such as Art History, Classics, Religious Studies and Library & Information Science to broaden methodological and professional skills.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualification: a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, normally with a strong record in history or a related discipline.
• Application materials: a statement of purpose outlining research interests in medieval or early modern European cultural history, a curriculum vitae, official transcripts, and two to three letters of recommendation.
• Writing sample: an academic essay or research paper that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to work with primary and secondary sources.
• Language proficiency: evidence of competency in relevant languages is desirable; applicants whose first language is not English must meet university English-language requirements.
• Standardised tests: check the department’s guidance about standardised tests; some applicants may be exempt or find tests optional depending on their background.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme prepared for a range of careers that value advanced research, textual and archival expertise, and clear communication. Common pathways include further doctoral study in history and allied fields; roles in museums, libraries and archives; cultural heritage and conservation organisations; public history and curatorial work; education and secondary-school teaching (with appropriate certification); publishing, research consultancy and digital humanities positions.

The programme’s emphasis on primary-source work, languages and digital methods is particularly attractive to employers who need staff able to manage special collections, design exhibitions, produce scholarly editions and engage diverse audiences with historical materials.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers a concentration of faculty expertise in European cultural history and close mentoring in small seminar groups. Students benefit from access to the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library and the broader research collections on campus, which support work on manuscripts, rare books and archival records. Interdisciplinary links with Art History, Classics, Religious Studies and digital humanities programmes enable tailored study and collaborative projects.

Located in Atlanta, Emory provides opportunities for partnerships with local museums, historic sites and cultural institutions, and for professional development through workshops and internships. The department supports students with research guidance, practicum placements and information about external funding and fellowship opportunities.