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 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 Master of Arts in American Studies is a free-standing degree. Some, but not all graduates of the MA program apply to pursue their doctorate at KU or another University.
Beyond academic preparation, the master’s degree in American Studies supports professional pathways in museums, archives, nonprofit leadership, public policy, education, media, and advocacy. Students gain experience in archival research, public scholarship, and conference presentation. Engagement with campus partners such as the Hall Center for the Humanities and the Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities expands opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and public-facing work.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
American Studies, MAKU 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.Master’s in American Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in American Studies will:
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 an MA in American Studies?
Graduates of the American Studies MA program pursue careers that require strong research, communication, and analytical expertise. According to Lightcast labor market data:
- Median Salary: $60,000–$85,000 depending on field and experience
- Career Paths: Museum or archive specialist, Cultural affairs coordinator, Policy analyst, Communications director, Educator, Researcher, Nonprofit leader
- Top Employers: Universities, archives and libraries, historical societies, publishing houses, NGOs, government agencies
- Job Outlook: Employers value interdisciplinary thinking and cultural literacy, especially in fields related to advocacy, media, and public service
Tuition and Financial Aid
American Studies reserves its funding resources for PhD students.
For general information about tuition, funding, and support, visit the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.
Admission Requirements
The admissions process is rigorous and requires a competitive application. A complete application must include:
- A copy or scan of official transcripts from each college and postsecondary 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.
Please visit the American Studies website for additional information and current application deadlines.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the American Studies graduate program engage in:
- Core theory and research seminars
- Independent thesis or research project development
- Opportunities to present at national and international conferences
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary research centers
Students benefit from faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary workshops, visiting scholars, and a vibrant academic environment in Lawrence, Kansas.
Master’s in American Studies Sample Courses
Students in the American Studies MA program choose from interdisciplinary coursework such as:
- Introduction to American Studies
- Theorizing America
- Research Methods
- Research Seminar
Explore the course options and degree requirements in the KU Catalog.
Master’s 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 Sepetember 2027 with a deadline of January 5, 2028.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
The MA is designed to be completed in two years.