Popular Culture, M.A.

E-mail: ccs@bgsu.edu

The Master of Arts in Popular Culture is an interdisciplinary program designed for students with unique academic interests who are attracted to the idea of studying with faculty from diverse fields such as anthropology, folklore, Asian studies, women’s studies, American studies, ethnic studies, media studies, and ethnomusicology. Students choose their own academic focus within the study of popular culture.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Popular Culture program are expected to be able to:

• Interpret and critically evaluate specific case studies in diverse cultural and historical contexts using fundamental concepts, major debates, and methods of analysis of the global phenomenon of popular culture with theories of race, class, sexuality, gender, and disability [Comprehensive Exam]
• Produce a research project of publishable quality with a rigorous argument and strong theoretical basis that demonstrates engagement with contemporary scholarly discourse. [thesis]
• Develop and communicate (verbally and in writing) clear, persuasive, and sophisticated interpretations of popular culture materials and practices. [course presentations and final papers]
• Evaluate how popular culture shapes and reflects personal and social experiences, diversity in a multicultural society, and American culture’s relationship to global cultures. [required courses]

Admission Requirements

• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose

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