Medieval and Renaissance Studies provides a wide-ranging introduction to the pre- and early-modern era, spanning late antiquity to the mid-seventeenth century and reaching from Europe to cultures around the globe. Students engage with the thoughts, languages, political events and cultural environments of medieval and early modern history in both the western and non-western world.

Why choose medieval and renaissance studies?

Taught by professors from several different departments, this program is adaptable to individual student interests and emphasizes historical traditions while also promoting inflection on the presence of the past in a fast-moving world. The curriculum is fundamentally interdisciplinary – students learn about literary, artistic, musical and other historical traditions, develop foreign language abilities and acquire analytical skills applicable to both ancient and modern artifacts.

What can you do with this degree?

A degree in medieval and renaissance studies offers excellent preparation for graduate programs in the humanities as well as professional school for law, business or medicine. Others may choose to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science or to receive further training in historical preservation and conservation to find exciting careers in museums, libraries and archives.

Graduates may also go on to careers in teaching and education in languages, literature and history, business, the arts, communications, publishing, media, state and local government, nonprofit organizations and more.