American Studies

The History Department administers the Graduate Certificate in American Studies. This certificate is designed for students who wish to study the culture, history, and civilization of the United States from an inter– and multidisciplinary perspective. Students may pursue the program to complement disciplinary master’s or doctoral degree programs such as English, History, Anthropology, African American and African Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theatre, Music, or History of Art. Students who are enrolled in the program explore the techniques, materials, and perspectives of American studies, American history, and American literature, as well as other related disciplines or thematic units.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits, of which 6 credits must come from units other than the student’s primary degree program. For students pursuing a dual degree, 6 credits must come from units other than the student’s two degree programs.

For application consideration, students must: 

• Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at Michigan State University
• Have their program of study approved by the Graduate Chairperson in the Department of History
• Apply using this form