Program Description

KSU’s Master of Arts with a major in American Studies (MAST) offers an interdisciplinary study of American cultures as they exist locally, regionally, nationally, and transnationally. As the sole American Studies graduate curriculum in the University System of Georgia, KSU’s course of study introduces students to the most important and innovative scholarship dealing with the United States and the Americas and their role in the world. Students will have the opportunity to engage in practical, project-based learning linked to their own professional development needs and interests. Thus, students will not only learn cutting-edge approaches to the study of American history, politics, literature, arts, and culture, but they will also apply this knowledge through group work, collaborations with faculty, community service, and career-related capstone projects. Students also have the opportunity to pursue humanities and social science-based thesis projects as preparation for further graduate training. The MA program with a major in American Studies provides an infield upgrade for certified high school History and English teachers as well as middle-grades social studies and language arts teachers in the state of Georgia.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

1. Describe how key values and social practices associated with American life have evolved in distinct historical periods.
2. Explain the history and cultural productions of the United States in a broader context by applying transnational, international, hemispheric, and/or global frameworks of analysis.
3. Analyze relationships between cultural products and social values.
4. Recognize, explain, and /or examine American Studies as a field, including its historical background as well as current and emerging issues.
5. Combine diverse methods to study American cultural products and practices.
6. Apply insights from multiple cultural experiences and perspectives and analyze hierarchies that shape society.
7. Communicate an effective analysis of American culture in both written and oral form.

 This program is a part of the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences . 

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

• Letter of Application: The letter of application should be in the form of a narrative which describes your educational and/or professional background, your future goals, and how admission into the American Studies M.A. program at Kennesaw State University will help you accomplish these goals. The letter should be specific to the program and should be 2-3 double-spaced pages in length.
• Writing Sample: The writing sample should demonstrate the writing skills you have developed as a student and/or professional. The sample should be relevant to the field of American Studies broadly defined, and it should be refined and revised to fit within 5-7 double-spaced pages.
• GPA: The program minimum is 2.75 for all undergraduate courses from the degree-granting institution, but we expect the class will average above 3.00.
• 2 Letters of Recommendation: Applicants should ask recommenders to submit letters of recommendation through the KSU Graduate College online admission system. At least one letter should be from a faculty member at the last school you attended (unless you have been out of school for more than five years). Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work. 
• C.V./Résumé (Optional).

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Currently, there are no exceptions to the admission requirements.

Transfer Credit

Up to 25% of graduate work from other accredited institutions may be transferred. To be transferred, course work from other institutions must correspond to Kennesaw State’s Master of Arts in American Studies curriculum. Students will need to provide course descriptions and syllabi wherever possible, and the amount of credit granted will be at the discretion of the program director. Such course work may be no more than five years old.

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment requirements. 

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .  

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Program Course Requirements