Program Overview

American Studies (Graduate Certificate)

The graduate certificate program in American studies consists of interdisciplinary inquiries into the diverse cultures, global impact, social systems, gendered experiences, socioeconomic realities, and political thought of the United States. The field of American studies has evolved to include an understanding of diversity in U.S. society; how the U.S. national community represents and imagines itself; how this resonates globally; and the role of social movements seeking to achieve political, legal, and economic change.

Program Description

The program trains students in:

• applied research methods, particularly those that involve community involvement and engagement
• critical methodologies, including how alternative voices are key in research, politics, and policy, and social justice work
• explorations of racial literacy, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic experiences grounded in historical contexts that facilitate understanding of contemporary U.S. populations
• the history and trajectory of the field of American studies
• the use of storytelling and narratives to represent diverse communities and facilitate broader understanding across groups

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

15 credit hours

• Required Core (3 credit hours)
  AMS 502 American Studies: Theory and Method (3)
• Methods (3 credit hours)
  AMS 500 Research Methods (3)
• Electives (9 credit hours)
  For electives, students select courses from an approved list provided by the academic unit. AMS 500 may be substituted with an alternative methods course as approved by the academic unit.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent
  4. proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Rolling
• Spring: Rolling

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the certificate program are prepared for careers in policy, education and teaching, urban planning, sustainability, sociopolitical movements, environmental impacts, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, government, journalism, law and justice, public safety, and health. This certificate program is also well-suited to be paired with other professional degrees that prepare students for these careers.