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The concentration in American Studies is an integrated interdisciplinary major that offers students the opportunity to study the society and culture of the United States in its national and global contexts. By drawing on a broad range of knowledge from the humanities and social sciences, the concentration provides students with a wide-ranging, yet disciplined exploration of problems that cross the boundaries of traditional academic fields and reflect the diversity of the American experience. The program draws faculty and other resources from a number of affiliated departments including Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, English, Film and Television (COM), History, History of Art and Architecture, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology.

The concentration in American Studies strives toward a balance of flexibility and structure. Students are allowed a great deal of freedom and personal choice in their course selection within a basic framework of required courses and a declared specialization in the field. Many majors also integrate internships and international opportunities into their course of study. The flexibility and small size of the program permits undergraduates to devise an interdisciplinary academic program best suited to their individual needs and interests. Students who major in American Studies have pursued careers in law, business, public policy, communications, education, journalism, teaching, and as professors of American studies, art history, history, and literature.

Although many of our students major only in American Studies, we also encourage students to consider it as a second concentration. An American Studies major can complement a concentration in Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, English, Film and Television (COM), History, History of Art and Architecture, Journalism (COM), International Relations, Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations (COM), Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology in especially fruitful ways. Since consultation with an advisor is an integral part of designing a coherent course of study for American Studies, students are encouraged to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies soon after they declare the major.

Students seeking more information about the undergraduate concentration in American Studies should contact:

Professor Anita Patterson
Director of Undergraduate Studies
226 Bay State Road, Room 108
Boston, MA 02215
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Admission to the MA Program

Candidates for admission with degrees in a variety of fields are encouraged to apply. Common undergraduate majors include American studies, art history, city planning, economics, history, and business administration. Although many students apply to the Program directly from undergraduate work, a significant number of students have pursued careers or post-graduate education before enrolling. We make every effort to accommodate applicants who may be returning to study after a period of time spent away from the academy.

Admission to the JD/MA Program

Students must first apply to and be accepted by the Boston University School of Law. For application procedures for the School of Law, please consult the current Boston University School of Law catalogue. Once students are accepted to the School of Law, they submit a separate application to and must be accepted by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, normally before the end of their first year in law school. The Graduate School allows the following modifications to the application requirements: the substitution of LSAT for GRE scores and the submission of copies of recommendations and transcripts already submitted for admission to the law school.

For application procedures for the Graduate School, consult the current Boston University Graduate School admissions.

The following is a checklist of all materials necessary to complete an admissions application:

Note: All Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, and GRE Scores Must Be Official Copies.

No Photocopies Will Be Accepted.

• Application (either online or paper) + fee
• Transcript(s), or official records of each college or university attended
• 3 Letters of Recommendation, in English and at least two must be from university-level faculty members
• GRE Scores, must be an official copy (sent to Institution Code 3087)
• Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample

And additionally for international students:

• TOEFL Scores, must be an official copy
• International Student Data Form, which includes the financial support and visa documentation requested on the Form.
• Certified English translations of all transcripts and academic records

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Entrance: January 15th (if applying for financial aid) or April 1st (no aid)
• Spring Entrance: November 15th

Admissions Questions?

Please consult the Graduate School’s web page of frequently asked admissions questions, then if need be contact the Admissions Office directly at grs@bu.edu.

Please use the navigation panel on the right to learn more about our doctoral program.