Catalog Navigator : Master of Arts in American Studies

The master of arts (M.A.) degree in American studies requires the successful completion of 30 credits of work. Master's degree candidates are expected to complete 24 credits of coursework, including 6 credits in two core courses and at least 12 credits in one interdisciplinary area. Students have the option of completing their final 6 credits either preparing a master's thesis or taking two additional elective courses.

The Interdisciplinary Areas of Focus in American Studies at Rutgers University–Newark:

Race, Ethnicity, and Modern Society

Urban Cultures

Cultural History and Artistic Production

The United States within a Global Context

The Operations of Social Institutions

Women's and Gender Studies

Master's Program Graduation Requirements:

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)

One course in public humanities, chosen in consultation with the program director (3 credits)

Major interdisciplinary area (12 credits)

Elective work in other disciplines or interdisciplinary fields (6 credits)

Thesis option: (6 credits) or an additional 6 credits in electives.

Procedures and Policies for American Studies Master's Program

A maximum of 12 graduate credits may be transferred from another institution toward the completion of the M.A. degree. Acceptance of these credits will be at the discretion of the program director in consultation with the Graduate School–Newark and will depend on the field of the student's master's degree, the appropriateness to American studies of specific courses taken, and the rules of the Graduate School.

With the advance approval of the program director, the student's academic adviser, and the course instructors, up to three upper-level Rutgers University–Newark undergraduate courses at the 300 or 400 level may be counted toward the completion of the M.A. degree. No more than one undergraduate course may be taken per semester. To receive graduate credit, the student must have been assigned and successfully completed significant additional work in the undergraduate course.

With the approval of the program director and the student's academic adviser, up to six credits in directed readings may be counted toward the completion of the M.A. degree.

Notwithstanding the above options, at least five courses (15 credits) must be taken as master's seminars.

Students choosing the thesis option must signal their intention and identify a thesis adviser no later than after having completed 18 credits.

Upon admission to the master's program, each student will be assigned an academic adviser from the American studies faculty. Students are free to change advisers at the end of their first year. Every year, however, students must submit to the program director a form identifying their adviser.