Master of Arts in American Studies

UMass Boston's American Studies MA has earned a national reputation as one of the top master's programs in the field. With tools adapted from cultural and social history, film and popular music studies, critical race and ethnic studies, and queer theory, this program encourages students to immerse in one year of core courses and one year of guided study and research. UMass Boston's longstanding commitment to the study of power dynamics in the culture of the United States has been energized by emerging formations in the fieldranging from transnational and postcolonial frames to sound studies and critical tourism studies.

In this program, you will:

Gain a comprehensive knowledge of American history, literature, art, and culture, examining their interconnectedness and the ways in which they shape and reflect the American experience
Develop advanced research and analytical skills, enabling you to critically analyze primary sources, interpret cultural texts, and engage in scholarly discourse on topics related to American studies
Hone your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and present your ideas coherently, preparing you for further academic pursuits or professional careers in fields such as education, research, public policy, or cultural heritage

Career Possibilities
Conduct in-depth research on American history, literature, or culture for academic institutions, think tanks, cultural organizations, or government agencies. Develop and implement educational programs and curricula focused on American studies for schools, colleges, or nonprofit organizations. Or, apply your knowledge of American history, society, and culture to analyze and inform policy decisions. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

Researcher
Museum Curator
Education Coordinator
Cultural Program Manager
Policy Analyst
Media/ Communications Specialist

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in appropriate courses
A minimum, cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or international equivalent in all undergraduate work.
Two letters of recommendation
A writing sample demonstrating analytic ability in fields relevant to American Studies

At the time of enrollment a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited US institution of recognized standing or an international equivalent International applicants must submit evidence that they have completed the equivalent of a regionally accredited US universitylevel bachelors degree program

Official transcripts for all institutions where you have earned more than 6 credits Most transcripts can be requested electronically through the Centralized Application System CAS Original hardcopy transcripts must be sealed in an envelope from the issuing institution

PBT - 550, TOEFL IBT - 79, IELTS - 6.0, DuoLingo - 100