Introduction to the Major
Do you have a passion for exploring early global forces that shaped the modern world? The medieval world was never a single story — it encompasses multiple interconnected global civilizations that shaped nearly everything about the world we inhabit today. The Medieval Studies Program spans more than a thousand years of that history, and majors work with an advisor to design their own unique pathway through it. Courses offer daily surprises — encountering Viking culture one day and Mongol expansion the next, or studying Persian poets in one class while reading Arthurian romances in another. Experiential learning opportunities include bookmaking, curation of exhibitions and working on archaeological digs. Study the world’s most consequential millennium from every angle — and emerge with a way of thinking no single discipline can teach.
Which Program is Right for Me?
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Medieval Studies is for students who want to pursue truly multidisciplinary coursework across more than a dozen departments, designing their own pathway through the arts, history, literature, languages, philosophy, politics and religion of the medieval world. The major pairs well with nearly any other program at UVA.
The Minor in Medieval Studies is for students pursuing another major who want to add depth in the pre-modern world to their primary area of study.
Amplify Your Major
- Contribute to or serve on the editorial board of Quill & Quire — UVA’s undergraduate journal of medieval studies.
- Attend a hands-on bookmaking workshop through the Rare Book School at UVA.
- Earn major credit while studying abroad.
- Apply for Medieval Studies-sponsored fellowships to fund your research.
What Can I Do With My Major
Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers
- Legislative Assistant, US House of Representatives
- Editorial Assistant, University of California Press
- Special Collections Librarian, Miami University
- Program Officer, Institute for International Education
- Client Services Representative, Christie’s of London
Recent Graduate Programs
- Rutgers University, Fine Arts, M.F.A.
- University of Toronto, Medieval Studies, Ph.D.
- University of Virginia, Commerce, M.S.
- Stanford University, English Literature, Ph.D.
- George Washington University, Museum Studies, M.A.
- Indiana University, Library Science, M.L.S.
“MSP gave me the chance to inaugurate UVA’s first undergraduate research journal in Medieval Studies, Quill & Quire, which has given me invaluable experience as I work toward a future career in publishing.”
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Life of the Major
B.A. Medieval Studies
First Year
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Advance
- Choose Engagement Courses that expose you to professors from a range of disciplines.
- Begin introductory coursework across departments with a medieval focus.
- Review Medieval Studies major and College requirements.
- Start exploring your options with your pre-major advisor.
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Explore
- Attend an MSP talk, film screening or social event to discover the range of work happening in the program.
- Explore faculty research areas on the MSP website to find where your interests might take you.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research Symposium to discover the range of research happening at UVA.
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Build
- Sign up for the MSP Medieval Curious listserv to stay connected with events and opportunities.
- Visit an MSP Affiliated Professor during office hours to learn about their research.
- Attend MSP talks, events and socials to connect with faculty and fellow students.
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Prepare
- Visit the UVA Career Center and complete Pathway U. Sign up for Handshake.
- Explore what Medieval Studies graduates go on to do — from law and medicine to museum work and publishing.
- Get involved in community service.
Second Year
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Advance
- Take MSP 3501 — Exploring the Middle Ages.
- Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements.
- Once you have completed your pre-requisites, complete your major declaration form.
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Explore
- Visit the International Studies Office to explore study abroad options that count toward your major.
- Attend a Rare Book School workshop to develop hands-on skills in medieval manuscript and book history.
- Explore research opportunities with faculty, including projects at the Fralin Museum of Art.
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Build
- Attend an information session for Quill & Quire to learn about contributing or joining the editorial board.
- Introduce yourself to MSP faculty at department events and ask about their research.
- Connect with Medieval Studies alumni through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring program.
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Prepare
- Meet with a Career Counselor or MSP Director to discuss career options and goals, and begin building a resume.
- Explore internship opportunities and attend internship fairs.
- Begin exploring research and fellowship opportunities through the Office of Citizen Scholar Development.
Third Year
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Advance
- Focus on upper-division coursework across your chosen departments.
- Consider pairing Medieval Studies with another major — its flexible structure complements nearly any program at UVA.
- Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress.
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Explore
- Discuss the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) with your advisor.
- Submit a revised course paper to Quill & Quire.
- Apply for a summer internship or fellowship connected to your medieval studies interests.
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Build
- Apply to join the editorial board of Quill & Quire.
- Seek a leadership role in organizing MSP events or programming.
- Build close relationships with your professors — they will write recommendation letters for post-graduate applications.
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Prepare
- Explore post-graduate options with advisors and professors — from law, library science and museum studies to graduate study in history, literature and art history.
- Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Fourth Year
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Advance
- Check in with your advisor to ensure you are on track to complete all College and Medieval Studies requirements.
- Consider taking a 5000-level seminar alongside graduate students.
- Complete any “bucket list” courses.
- Apply to graduate in the spring.
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Explore
- If pursuing the DMP, complete and present your original research at the university Undergraduate Research Symposium or another academic venue.
- Pursue an independent study with a faculty member to explore a topic your coursework has sparked.
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Build
- Join the Medieval Academy of America to connect with scholars and professionals in the field.
- Attend the International Medieval Congress — the world’s largest medieval studies conference.
- Contact recent graduates from your program to learn about their post-graduate experiences.
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Prepare
- Apply to jobs, graduate school and other opportunities.
- Explore Fulbright and other prestigious fellowships through the Office of Citizen Scholar Development.
- Use Handshake and other job boards to search for opportunities.
- Meet employers at Career Info Sessions through the UVA Career Center.