Master of Arts in American Studies

The Program in American Studies offers a M.A. Degree that affords students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the experiences and values of the people of the United States as embodied in their history, literature, art, and other forms of cultural expression. 

Students interested in the American Studies five-year BA/MA program option should visit the American Studies Undergraduate Graduate program page.

The American Studies Masters Program offers two program plans/options for degree completion: Plan A/Thesis Option, Plan B/Coursework Only Option. Students can develop advanced research skills through the production of a Masters thesis. The table below shows required coursework and outlines for two-year plans of study by degree option:

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

AMST 501Methods in American Studies3
AMST 502Research in American Studies3
AMST 590Master's Thesis1-10

Master's Thesis - Plan A Option

Year 1Credits
FallSpring
AMST 501 - Methods in American Studies3  
AMST 594 - Seminar1  
Elective3  
AMST 502 - Research in American Studies  3
Elective  3
Elective, Independent Study, or Internship  2 - 3
Year Total: 7 8-9
Year 2Credits
FallSpring
AMST 590 - Master's Thesis4  
Elective3  
Independent Study or Internship2  
AMST 590 - Master's Thesis  6
Year Total: 9 6
Total Program Credits: 30-31

Coursework Only - Plan B Option

Year 1Credits
FallSpring
AMST 501 - Methods in American Studies3  
AMST 594 - Seminar1  
Elective3  
AMST 502 - Research in American Studies  3
Elective  3
Elective, Independent Study, or Internship  3
Year Total: 7 9
Year 2Credits
FallSpring
Elective3  
Elective3  
Independent Study or Internship2  
Independent Study  3
Internship  3
Year Total: 8 6
Total Program Credits: 30