Graduate Program Information

Michigan State University's American Studies Program attracts American and international students from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds.Besides access to its faculty, MSU provides other enticements to individuals interested in studying American culture. The MSU Libraries contain more than four million volumes as well as the Russel B. Nye Popular Culture Collection and the National Voice Library.The university's proximity to the state capital provides access to public and private organizations that offer opportunities for additional academic work.

The American Studies Program offers a program of study leading to the Master of Arts degree in American Studies. To earn the degree, you complete a minimum of 30 semester credits at the graduate level through one of two program options:

Plan A includes the following requirements: (1) at least one course each in American history and American literature for a total of three courses; (2) at least two courses in American studies; (3) at least three courses in another discipline; (4) a maximum of six credits of thesis research.

Plan B includes the following requirements: (1) at least one course in each American history and American literature for a total of three courses; (2) at least two courses in American studies; (3) at least three courses in another discipline.

A program of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in AmericanStudies is also available. To earn this degree, you must have a minimum of 18 credits distributed between at least two disciplines. Your guidance committee, comprised of at least three faculty members representing different disciplines or fields, may require additional coursework. In addition, you must pass threewritten comprehensive examinations and an oral examination in three fields of study; and possess reading knowledge in one foreign language. Finally, you must successfully complete and defend a dissertation on a topic approved by your guidance committee.