The Master of Arts degree program with a major in American Studies is designed for students who wish to study the culture, history, and civilization of the United States from an inter– and multidisciplinary perspective. Students may pursue the program in preparation for an interdisciplinary doctoral degree program, or as preparation for a disciplinary doctoral degree program in a field such as English, history, philosophy, religious studies, or history of art.

Students who are enrolled in the program explore the techniques, materials, and perspectives of American studies, American history, and American literature, as well as one other related discipline or thematic unit. Carefully coordinated, yet flexible, plans of study are available.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program with a major in American Studies, an applicant must:

1. Have at least two faculty who are able to assess the applicant's ability to pursue graduate study forward letters of recommendation to the College.
2. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test forwarded to the college.
3. Include in the letter required by the college a 400–700 word statement giving the applicant's background and reasons for pursuing advanced study.
4. Submit to the college a recent sample of academic and/or professional writing.

To be admitted to the Master of Arts degree program in American studies on regular status, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in American studies or a related field.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in American Studies

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Plan A and Plan B

1.	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
	AMS	881	American Studies Theory, Methods and Bibliography				3
	AMS	891	Special Topics in American Studies				3
2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
	AMS	849	Comparative Ethnic Studies (D)				3
	AMS	851	Popular Culture Studies				3
3.	At least one course in American history.
4.	At least one course in American literature.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. At least one course in another discipline or thematic unit.¹
2. Four to 6 credits of AL 899  Master's Thesis Research.
3. Pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. At least three courses in another discipline or thematic unit.¹
2. Pass a final certifying examination.

---

¹    Examples:

Disciplines:  anthropology, history of art, journalism, political science, philosophy, sociology.

Themes traced across disciplines:  African–American culture, popular culture, women's studies, Native American culture, science and technology studies.

Vocational designs involving management skills pertinent to humanistic studies: material culture, historic preservation, museum studies.