Program Overview

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American Studies

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in American Studies is a 2-year program offered by the Department of American Cultural Studies. This fully-funded, high-caliber interdisciplinary degree helps students develop local and transnational understandings of U.S. culture.

Program Overview

The M.A. program in American Studies provides students with professional development in interdisciplinary cultural studies. Through coursework and peer interactions, students gain a deeper understanding of connections from the past and comprehend current social concepts beyond the classroom in relation to historical events, cultures, and environments.

Outstanding Faculty

Faculty members in the program have built their careers around American Studies and have conducted unique research. The program is led by the Director of American Studies, Professor Ulrich Adelt, who serves as an excellent resource in the courses.

Course Requirements

The program offers a range of courses that help students develop advanced skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and cultural analysis.

American Studies Program Highlights

• Research Opportunities: The program offers financial and faculty mentor support for student research opportunities and conference participation.
  • Students can gain new perspectives while researching the past, further contributing to their master's thesis and general work.
• Smaller Class Sizes: The program values smaller class sizes, ensuring students get unique one-on-one interactions with faculty and peers.
  • Peer learning can lead to new ideas and personal growth.
• Financial Support: M.A. students receive full support with stipends to cover tuition, fees, and insurance as graduate assistants for the program.
  • Part-time M.A. students also receive tuition and fee support.
  • All students may apply for book scholarships and travel assistance.
• Networking & Student Groups: The program works with outside organizations to give students chances to connect with communities they may choose to serve someday.
  • Some organizations include the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming Humanities Council, and the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research.

What Can You Do with an M.A. in American Studies?

The M.A. in American Studies prepares students for a variety of careers, including:

• Education
• Non-Profit Work
• Preservationist
• Historian
• Collections Curator Graduates from the program are making a difference at places such as:
• Alliance Historic Wyoming
• Laramie Main Street Alliance
• New Mexico Humanities Council
• Museum of Wildfowl Art
• National Park Service
• Foreign Diplomatic Offices

Benefits of Studying American Studies

Studying American Studies at the master's level offers a powerful interdisciplinary foundation for understanding U.S. culture, history, politics, and society. Students sharpen advanced skills in research, writing, critical analysis, and communication, preparing them for careers in education, law, public service, journalism, and nonprofit leadership.

Preparing for an M.A. in American Studies

Students from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds can thrive in an M.A. in American Studies, especially those with degrees in:

• History
• English
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Ethnic Studies
• Gender Studies
• Media Studies
• Related fields

These majors provide a strong foundation in critical thinking, cultural analysis, and interdisciplinary inquiry, which are key skills for exploring the complexities of American history and culture.

Related Programs

Interested individuals may also want to learn more about these graduate programs:

• M.A. in English
• M.A. in History
• M.A. in International Studies
• M.F.A. in Creative Writing

Department

The American Studies program is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of American Cultural Studies. The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it among the top research universities in the United States.