MASTER OF ARTS IN AMERICAN STUDIES
The Master of Arts in American Studies is an interdisciplinary study of the American experience and culture. The program approaches American culture from many directions with a desire to view America as a whole rather than from the perspective of a single discipline. The program draws upon the expertise in a wide range of fields and programs, including Anthropology, Cherokee and Indigenous Studies, Communication, Criminal Justice, English, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies. The program consists of two (2) core courses in the scope and methods of American Studies. Students then work with a faculty committee to develop an individualized course of study in the following concentrations: American Cultural Studies, American History, or American Politics. Graduates of the program find careers in a variety of areas such as education (high-school and community college level), government or civil service, museums, law, communication, and business.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes have been established for students earning an MA in American Studies:
- Develop an interdisciplinary interpretive framework for studying the American experience, enabling the student to solve practical and theoretical problems.
- Develop an understanding of the theoretical and methodological approaches used in American Studies and interdisciplinary scholarship.
- Acquire an advanced knowledge of the major movements in the American experience.
- Design and implement an interdisciplinary research project that contributes to the field of American Studies; or apply American Studies perspectives beyond the classroom and scholarly community through an internship.
- Communicate research findings through clear, well-organized written and oral presentations.
Thesis Option - The student who chooses the thesis option will be required to complete 30 hours of coursework. For the remaining 6 hours, the student will enroll in an appropriate number of thesis hours per semester until completed. A student must enroll in a minimum of 6 thesis hours. Before enrolling in the thesis hours, the student must have completed 21 hours of graduate coursework toward the degree. Students who have selected the thesis option must pass an oral exam focusing on defense of the thesis but which may also involve discussion of coursework. These examinations will be administered by the student’s graduate advisory committee which may include additional faculty members representing the various subjects on the student’s program. Students must follow the guidelines and timelines required by the Graduate College for the submission of the thesis.
Internship & Comprehensive Examination Option - The student who chooses the public internship option will be required to complete 33 hours of coursework. For the final 3 hours, they will enroll in American Studies 5933, in which they will complete a public internship. They will also be required to pass comprehensive written and oral examinations. These exams will cover all coursework completed for the degree, including the internship. Before enrolling in the internship, the student must have completed 21 hours of graduate coursework toward the degree.
American Studies, M.A. - 36 hours
Required Courses - 6 hours
These two courses should be taken early in the student’s program.
Electives - 24-27 hours
Choose 24-27 hours from the following concentrations with a minimum of 3 credit hours from each area of concentration. Students may focus remaining hours in the concentration(s) of their choice. Students may petition the program director for permission to count hours not on the following list. Courses of a technical nature and those stressing methodology, administrative procedures, or development of occupational or professional skills do not fall within the scope of the program even if they deal exclusively with American topics.
A. American Cultural Studies
- AMST 5213 - Seminar in American Cultural Studies
- AMST 5923 - Seminar in American Studies
- COMM 5523 - Rhetoric of U.S. Women’s Movements
- CR J 5033 - Crime Theory
- CR J 5063 - The Criminal Justice System
- CR J 5073 - Constitutional Criminal Law
- CR J 5143 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice
- CR J 5233 - Native American Law & Justice
Thesis (6 hrs) or Public Internship & Comprehensive Exam (3 hrs)
3-6 hours. A student pursuing the Master of Arts in American Studies must either write a thesis or complete a public internship in American Studies.
Public Internship Option and Comprehensive Examination
Degree Available At
- Tahlequah
- Online
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Career Services
What Can I Do With A Master's Degree in American Studies?
- Law
- Teaching
- Government Service
- Nonprofit or Tribal Agency Administrator
- Journalism
- Museum Curation
Program Chair:
Did you Know?
American Studies at NSU offers an interdisciplinary study of the American experience and culture, including the challenges and possibilities of realizing a democratic society. It has particular strength in American Indian Studies and American Cultural Studies.
Program Requirements
- Writing Sample
- Statement of Purpose
Application Deadline
Open Year Round
*Fees include: facility fee, student activity fee, infrastructure fee, cultural/scholastic lecturer fee, student ID fee, technology services fee and remedial course fee, if applicable. NSU courses taught at off campus locations or online might have additional fees assessed. These totals are tuition and fee estimations per program based on the current catalog year. Books, supplies and some fees may not be included.
Minority Students
$48,195,863
Total Aid Disbursed in 2020-2021
1,471
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