American Studies, MA

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Degree Requirements:

(See general College requirements in ‘Graduate Regulations ’.)

Note: Students should consult the American Studies Graduate Handbook, available at the Program website, for a fuller account of program requirements.

I. M.A.-Only

Students admitted to the M.A.-only program can complete their coursework in one academic year, taking 12 credits each semester, and have 6 years from matriculation to complete the degree.
Course distribution (24 credit hours) consists of an introductory seminar (AMST 661 ), a broad framework for the study of American culture and society; as well as formal courses and directed reading. Two of these courses are independent study (six credits of AMST 695 ) for the Master’s thesis, usually under the supervision of the student’s advisor.
Students complete a thesis, based on original research, which develops a coherent argument and makes a contribution to the study of American life. The thesis, supplemented by an oral defense before a faculty committee, will serve as the M.A. field examination in American Studies.

II. M.A. in the M.A./Ph.D. program

Full-time, funded students in the M.A./Ph.D. program must complete all coursework in the first year of study, defend the thesis in the 3rd semester, and receive the M.A. in December of the 3rd semester in order to remain in good standing and receive funding to begin candidacy in the Ph.D. program in the 4th semester.
Course distribution (24 credit hours) consists of an introductory seminar (AMST 661 ), a broad framework for the study of American culture and society; as well as formal courses and directed readings designed to prepare the student in a coherent field of inquiry. Two of these courses (six credits of AMST 695 ) are independent study during which the student undertakes the research and writing of the Master’s thesis, usually under the supervision of the student’s advisor.
The thesis consists of two substantive research papers related to the student’s proposed specializations for the Ph.D. program. They will be developed as part of the requirements for formal courses or independent studies taken during the first year. An oral defense before a faculty committee during the second week of the third semester will serve as the M.A. field examination in American Studies.
Part-time M.A./Ph.D. students should complete all requirements for the M.A. within three years from matriculation in order to continue to candidacy in the Ph.D. program.