Dedman College Majors

Studies encompass such fascinating topics as chivalry, the Crusades, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, medieval Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, chant and polyphony, medieval epic and romance, castle construction, superstition, feudalism, and the emergence of nationalism. You will be immersed in courses that draw from philosophy, history, religion, music, fine arts, and other literature. You’ll gain expertise in broad, analytical thinking and effective communication – traits valued in law, academe, business, and other careers.

Degree Highlights

B.A. in Medieval Studies
Minimum 30 term hours of core courses (10 classes)

Minor in Medieval Studies
Minimum 15 term hours of core courses (5 classes)

Related Majors and Minors

Medieval studies majors can combine their studies with other majors or minors – such as political science, economics, English, religious studies, and history; advertising, art history, journalism, and foreign languages; and prelegal studies – to prepare for graduate school and careers in government, media, and law.

Careers

SMU medieval studies graduates pursue a variety of careers in such fields as medicine, banking, real estate, film, publishing, the arts, government, law, and higher education.

Faculty

Faculty are committed to excellence in teaching and a responsive classroom atmosphere. They are asked to appear frequently on the History Channel, A&E, and other programs. Faculty regularly publish works related to the medieval era, including essays on Arthurian women and Byzantine murals. You will have a number of opportunities to conduct research with them. SMU’s medieval courses are some of the most technologically advanced and experimental courses available; faculty members bring innovative thinking to every class. The Dallas Area Medieval Consortium, an association of medievalists, enables a select group of students from SMU to take certain medieval studies courses at other member campuses. An annual Medieval Festival, put on by students in the Medieval Club, celebrates the arts, literature, and entertainment of the Middle Ages.

Internships & Study Abroad

Dedman College students get paid internships through the Hegi Family Career Development Center. Students majoring in medieval studies may be eligible to earn up to three (3) graded credits toward their degrees by enrolling for unpaid, faculty-directed internships through the Dedman College Internship Program.

Learn more about the early and modern world on a grand scale by taking advantage of the SMU Study Abroad Program. Choose from yearlong, semester, or summer programs at locations around the globe; each emphasizes different disciplines. Medieval studies majors will find these programs especially intriguing: SMU-in-Paris, SMU-in-Oxford, and SMU-in-Spain.