by our College Data Analytics TeamMedieval Studies is an incredible major that allows you study history, art, music, archeology, politics, and literature of the Mediterranean and Europe through the 4th to the 17th century. This major will allow you to gain a broad knowledge base to how the modern world originated. Some of the world's most beautiful artwork and incredible literature originated during this time, as well as systems and structures that helped us create today's legal system and political offices.
Some of the courses you will encounter include: history of medieval Europe, manuscript studies, art history, Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, literature of the Middle Ages, early Christian and Byzantine art, medieval and renaissance prose fiction, Dante and medieval theology, medieval philosophy, Latin of the middle ages, and medieval art.
Medieval Studies was the 346th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 127 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Medieval Studies Schools ranking analyzes 10 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for medieval studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of medieval studies programs later in this article.
This is a broad major that requires students to stretch themselves mentally. You will examine culture, study art work and architecture, and explore and analyze the literature and philosophy of the time period. You will spend a lot of time in the library reading, writing, and researching. Students with a natural curiosity for this time period will enjoy unraveling mysterious about the sometimes shrouded historical era.
This major will develop your critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills as you connect ideas from various subjects. At that time, livelihoods were more connected, for example theologians were also scientists. A fascination with history and passion for uncovering the past will be your key to your success.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional medieval studies certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of medieval studies degrees. Medieval Studies programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest medieval studies degree you can get. Depending on the medieval studies degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A master's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to medieval studies, with approximately 23.9% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for medieval studies workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 23.9% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 20.4% |
| Some College Courses | 18.0% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 15.2% |
| High School Diploma | 9.4% |
See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in medieval studies have received.
The education level required is different depending on the medieval studies career you are seeking.
Students who major in Medieval Studies receive a broad education that prepares them for a variety of careers. Graduates have developed excellent critical thinking and analytical skills that many employers find desirable. Some graduates work with artifacts or become a museum director or curator. You would also be prepared to become an archivist or a historian. Those interested in education could easily become history teachers or continue their education to become a college professor. Some grads also go into law, politics, research, writing or government work.
Want a job when you graduate with your medieval studies degree? Medieval Studies careers are expected to grow 6.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to medieval studies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Historians | 3,500 | 6.1% |
As you might expect, salaries for medieval studies graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for medieval studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers medieval studies grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Historians | $66,380 |
With over 91 different medieval studies degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased medieval studies school rankings to help you with this.
Medieval Studies is one of 51 different types of Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Medieval & Renaissance Studies | 127 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 31,307 |
| Biological & Physical Science | 30,032 |
| Interdisciplinary Studies | 9,114 |
| International Studies | 6,614 |
| Nutrition Science | 5,598 |
Image Credit: By Edmund Leighton under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
