American Studies (Certificate)
Program Description
Certificate Awarded: American Studies (Certificate)
The certificate program in American studies consists of interdisciplinary inquiries into the diverse cultures, global impact, social systems, gendered experiences, socioeconomic realities and political thought of the United States. The field of American studies has evolved to include an understanding of diversity in U.S. society; how the U.S. national community represents and imagines itself; how this resonates globally; and the role of social movements seeking to achieve political, legal and economic change.
The program trains students in:
- applied research methods, particularly those that involve community involvement and engagement
- critical methodologies, including how alternative voices are key in research, politics and policy, and social justice work
- explorations of racial literacy, gender, sexuality and socioeconomic experiences grounded in historical contexts that facilitate understanding of contemporary U.S. populations
- the history and trajectory of the field of American studies
- the use of storytelling and narratives to represent diverse communities and facilitate broader understanding across groups
Degree Requirements
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours)
AMS 502 American Studies: Theory and Method (3)
Methods (3 credit hours)
AMS 500 Research Methods (3)
Electives (9 credit hours)
Additional Curriculum Information
For electives, students select courses from an approved list provided by the academic unit.
AMS 500 may be substituted with an alternative methods course as approved by the academic unit.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letter of intent
- written statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Next Steps to attend ASU
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Career Opportunities
This certificate program prepares students for careers in policy, education and teaching, urban planning, sustainability, sociopolitical movements, environmental impacts, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, government, journalism, law and justice, public safety and health. This certificate program is also well-suited to be paired with other professional degrees that prepare students for these careers.
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- sstgraduate@asu.edu
- 480/965-7682