Program Overview

American Studies Programs

The American Studies program at Penn State Harrisburg offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including:

• American Studies (B.A.)
• American Studies (M.A.)
• Accelerated B.A./M.A. in American Studies (IUG)
• American Studies (Ph.D.)
• Heritage and Museum Practice (Graduate Certificate)
• Folklore and Ethnography (Graduate Certificate)
• Museum Studies (Undergraduate Certificate)
• African American Studies (Minor)

Program Requirements for Admission

To be considered for admission to the American Studies program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• GPA: Successful applicants with an M.A. typically have a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) in their graduate work.
• Education: Applicants must hold a master’s degree in American Studies, or a related field emphasizing American cultural scholarship and public heritage work.
• Supporting Materials:
  • Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Three reference letters attesting to academic and professional capabilities.
  • A letter of 500 to 1000 words outlining significant scholarly and applied experience, career goals, commitment to American Studies as a field, and academic objectives.
  • A recent personal vita.
  • A paper from a graduate course taken previously or publication demonstrating research and compositional skills.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Fall semester is January 15.

Program Details

The American Studies program at Penn State Harrisburg provides students with a comprehensive education in American cultural scholarship and public heritage work. The program offers a range of courses and research opportunities, including:

• Curriculum: The program curriculum includes a range of courses in American Studies, including American cultural history, literature, and public heritage work.
• Courses Overview: The program offers a variety of courses, including introductory courses, seminars, and research methods courses.
• Master’s Project Database: The program maintains a database of master’s projects completed by students in the program.
• Dissertation Topics: The program offers a range of dissertation topics, including American cultural history, literature, and public heritage work.
• Ph.D Student Profiles: The program provides profiles of current Ph.D students, including their research interests and academic backgrounds.
• Handbooks, Guides, and Forms: The program provides a range of handbooks, guides, and forms to support student success.
• Career Opportunities: The program provides career opportunities in American cultural scholarship and public heritage work.
• Testimonials: The program provides testimonials from current students and alumni.
• Program Contacts and Faculty: The program provides contact information for program faculty and staff.