Program Overview
American Studies at the University of Kansas is an interdisciplinary department whose faculty and students think critically about community, identity, and social justice in U.S. culture, politics, and society. We study the multiple and contested meanings of “American” both nationally and transnationally, and with attention to constructions of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, class, region, age, and sexuality. To prepare students to better understand, effectively argue, and constructively respond to social divisiveness and inequity, we must learn to turn history into questions, to critically engage and assess the veracity of sources and information, and to learn from, by, and about the many marginalized communities that make up our shared histories.
Such an inclusive – and therefore realistic – definition of “American” requires an equally capacious understanding of the critical impact of difference and power on the formation of traditional scholastic disciplines. American Studies embraces research methods that combine, cross, and stretch conventional academic boundaries between the Social Sciences, the Humanities, and the arts. American Studies is rooted in civic engagement and on scholarly discourse that informs policy, and that addresses the local, national, and global processes underlying our thinking, doing, and imagining. Through creative thinking and rigorous analysis of historical and current events, encompassing official institutions, social and religious movements, popular and media culture, and other areas, we explore complex formations of American community and identity, both within and beyond U.S. borders.
The PhD is the terminal degree in our field. In the program of study leading to the PhD, we seek to train, mentor, and place future educators, researchers, and leaders trained in American Studies and enable them to extend this training to a myriad of positions inside and outside of the academy. We do this by providing advanced education in interdisciplinary research as well as by fostering an intellectual community of students and faculty within the program and across the University. We emphasize the development of independent programs of study while directing and enabling students’ professionalization as scholars and teachers.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
American Studies, PhDKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Department of American Studies is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Doctorate in American Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the American Studies PhD program are expected to:
- Critically apply theories, methodologies, and knowledge to address fundamental questions in the primary area of study.
- Participate in an interdisciplinary scholarly community.
- Follow ethical guidelines for work in the discipline.
- Become effective teachers. The successful student will understand how to design learning experiences to maximize student learning and how to connect course design explicitly to desired outcomes. The student will develop a sense of teaching purpose informed by transformative pedagogies that problematize social reality and knowledge.
- Produce a valuable contribution to the field.
What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in American Studies?
Graduates of the American Studies PhD program pursue diverse career paths across academia, public service, cultural institutions, and the private sector. The interdisciplinary training provided by the program prepares graduates to analyze cultural and social issues in a wide variety of professional contexts. Common roles include:
- Academic Positions
- Cultural Resource Management
- Public Policy and Administration
- Media and Communications
According to Lightcast, employment opportunities connected to cultural analysis, research, and public scholarship are projected to grow in the coming decade, with a national median compensation of approximately $75,000 per year.
Tuition and Financial Aid
All students admitted to the American Studies PhD program receive a five-year package of funding support. Funding is typically provided in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships, but may come in the form of Graduate Research Assistantships, Graduate Assistantships, or external fellowships.
For detailed information on tuition rates and financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
The admissions process is rigorous and requires a competitive application to be successful. A complete application must include:
- A copy or scan of official transcripts from each college and post-secondary institution you have attended.
- A statement of academic objectives describing your intellectual development, previous academic training, and areas of academic interest. The statement of academic objectives should make it clear why the student is pursuing graduate study in American Studies, and what kind of work they hope to prepare for through a rigorous, interdisciplinary program. The most effective statements often identify an existing intellectual conversation or problem to which the student wishes to contribute, and at least one faculty member with whom they may potentially work. The statement need not describe a developed research project, but ought to give a good idea of the kinds of questions, topics, and priorities that the student will pursue in building a research agenda. The quality of this statement is an especially important factor in the decisions of our admissions committee.
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae (C.V) summarizing your academic background and relevant work experience.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic abilities, potential, and preparation for graduate study.
- A sample of your written academic work. This should be a research paper or article of no more than 35 pages that represents your best work to date. Students who have completed a thesis may submit the introduction.
For a comprehensive list of application materials and detailed admission criteria, please visit the American Studies website.
Student Life and Learning Experience
The American Studies PhD program provides rich opportunities for research, collaboration, and professional development.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Students are encouraged to pursue projects that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries, integrating perspectives from history, literature, cultural studies, the social sciences, and related fields.
- Collaborative Projects: Doctoral students frequently collaborate with faculty mentors and peers on research initiatives, conferences, and publications.
- Teaching Experience: Many doctoral students gain valuable teaching experience by assisting with or leading undergraduate courses, developing the instructional skills necessary for academic careers.
- KU fosters a vibrant intellectual and social community for graduate students in the American Studies PhD program.
American Studies PhD Sample Courses
The American Studies PhD program includes a range of courses that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Sample courses include:
- Introduction to American Studies
- Theorizing America
- Research Methods in American Studies
- Research Seminar
For a complete list of courses and detailed descriptions, please refer to the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in American Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The American Studies graduate program admits students every other year to maintain its strong cohort model. The next available admission term is Fall 2028. The application will open in early September 2027 with a deadline of January 5, 2028.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
The PhD is designed to be completed in five academic years, but some students need additional time to conduct research and write their dissertation.