Medieval Studies
Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary field that ranges widely across periods and geographies. We usually imagine the Middle Ages as the millennium between the end of classical antiquity and the start of the Renaissance. But concepts and institutions that we take as distinctively modern—the individual, companionate marriage, the state, vernacular languages as expressions of national identity—begin in the Middle Ages. And the Middle Ages return as a powerful source for imaginative expression in the art and literature of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and in digital culture in the twenty-first century.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Minor
![Medieval Studies BA Medieval Studies BA](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/elementor/thumbs/Medieval-Studies-BA-q18n1gze8lej359hs9eui6y30llx3cgrgsy8ctr8nu.jpeg)
Explore Interests Related to Medieval Studies
Examines the history, literature, and cultures of the medieval world. Prepares students to understand historical cross-cultural interactions, contribute to global academic discussions, and preserve medieval cultural heritage for modern contexts.
Degree Options
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- History
- Art History
- Philosophy
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You want to grow as an analytical thinker with good writing skills, the ability to synthesize disparate materials, and a deep sense of context.
You have an interest in studying a rich and dynamic period, and wish to further understand the time through its history, literature, philosophy, and culture.
Transferable Skills
- Written Communication
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Medieval History
- Culture
- Philosophy
- Religion
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Education Abroad Destinations
Greece
![_0016_Greece](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0016_Greece-768x480.jpg)
Italy
![Students in CAMS/HIST 199 Roman Cities at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy in June 2022](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0013_Italy-768x480.jpg)
Spain
![_0001_Spain](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0001_Spain-768x480.jpg)
Czech Republic
![_0023_Czech Republic](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0023_Czech-Republic-768x480.jpg)
France
![_0019_France](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0019_France-768x480.jpg)
Greece
![_0016_Greece](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0016_Greece-768x480.jpg)
Italy
![Students in CAMS/HIST 199 Roman Cities at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy in June 2022](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0013_Italy-768x480.jpg)
Spain
![_0001_Spain](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0001_Spain-768x480.jpg)
Czech Republic
![_0023_Czech Republic](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0023_Czech-Republic-768x480.jpg)
France
![_0019_France](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0019_France-768x480.jpg)
Greece
![_0016_Greece](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0016_Greece-768x480.jpg)
Italy
![Students in CAMS/HIST 199 Roman Cities at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy in June 2022](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0013_Italy-768x480.jpg)
Spain
![_0001_Spain](https://la.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/0001_Spain-768x480.jpg)
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Career Paths
Continuing Education
- Graduate school to study management and organizational leadership, meieval and early modern studies, medieval history, and viking and medieval Norse studies
Job Titles
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Communications Coordinator
- Librarian or Archivist
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Art Historian
- Curriculum Designer
- Curator
- Professor
Industries
Archiving, Business, Medicine, Museum Curatorship, Publishing, Teaching
Employers
- PNC Bank
- Accenture
- Universities
- Northwestern Mutual
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Penn Libraries
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
at Penn State University Park.