E-mail: ccs@bsgu.edu
The interdisciplinary Master of Arts in American Culture Studies is designed around the concept of culture, which unifies study of many discrete aspects of American historical, social, intellectual, and artistic heritage. The program invites students to explore particular themes, issues, and periods from an interdisciplinary perspective.
The M.A. curriculum offers a foundation in the study of American culture for students with a variety of interests or goals. Primarily, we seek to communicate a sense of the complexity and diversity of the American national culture through systematic analysis of its elements. This approach is relevant equally to students who might pursue a career in education in some aspect of American culture; those who might engage in such professions as journalism, public relations, advertising, government, marketing, etc., where a knowledge of American culture is important; or those seeking enrichment of their understanding of American culture. While the American culture studies component of the curriculum assures a common experience in the study of culture, the remainder of the courses allows an individualized educational experience.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the American Culture Studies program are expected to be able to:
- Communicate clearly orally and in writing interpretation of the American experience, informed by relevant cultural theory
- Evaluate and synthesize the scholarly conversations in Cultural and American Studies.
- Design and produce rigorous, interdisciplinary research informed by relevant theories in the fields of cultural and American Studies.
- Engage with profession through activities in professional societies, publication, and other scholarly and professional activities.
Admission Requirements
The American Culture Studies MA program applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree in one of the disciplines represented in the program.
Additional Documents Required:
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Professional Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample
International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.
Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.
Application Requirements
Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements
International Application Information
Degree Requirements
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