Academic Programs Catalog

The Graduate Certificate in American Studies, which is administered by the Department of History, 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 to complement disciplinary master’s or doctoral degree programs such as English, History, Anthropology, African American and African Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theatre, Music, 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 other related disciplines or thematic units.

The certificate is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs at Michigan State University. Students must meet the requirements of the certificate specified below, in addition to the requirements for the student’s primary degree program.

The student's program of study must be approved the Graduate Chairperson in the Department of History.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in American Studies    

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits, of which 6 credits must come from units other than the student’s primary degree program. Students pursuing a dual degree, 6 credits must come from units other than the student’s two degree programs.