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Program Objectives
Interdisciplinary Fields
Public Scholarship
The Ph.D. in American Studies requires 72 credits of research and course work, including two core courses in the theory and methodology of American Studies. Additionally, doctoral degree candidates must complete substantial work in at least two of the six interdisciplinary fields of specialization and 24 credits of dissertation research.
Students may enter the program with either a B.A. or M.A. degree. Depending on the field of the student’s master’s degree and specific courses taken, up to 24 credits may be counted toward the fulfillment of the doctoral degree requirements. All students, however, will be required to take the one-year-long sequence of introductory courses in the Theory and Methodology of American Studies during their first year in the program. This sequence will be designed specifically to train students in interdisciplinary scholarship and prepare them to work successfully within a multi-disciplinary course of study.
Following are the Ph.D.'s program graduation requirements:
Courses (48 credits)
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Core courses in the Theory and Methodology of American Studies Concepts and Interpretations of American Studies (3 credits) Methodological Approaches to American Studies (3 credits) |
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Major Interdisciplinary Field (18 credits) |
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Second Interdisciplinary Field or Program Concentration (12 credits) |
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Electives (12 credits) |
Language Proficiency
Depending on their fields of concentrations, students may be expected to demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English.
Comprehensive Examination
Students must complete a written comprehensive examination testing their knowledge of American Studies issues covered in the core courses and their field of concentration.
Dissertation Research (24 credits)
The culmination of work for the Ph.D. is the production of a dissertation based on original interdisciplinary scholarship in the candidate's primary field of study.
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