What is American Studies?
The M.A. program offers a fully-funded, high-caliber interdisciplinary degree. Students develop both local and transnational understandings of U.S. culture. The experience our program provides helps students comprehend current social concepts beyond the classroom in relation to historical events, cultures and environments.
Faculty members in the program have built their careers around American Studies and have conducted unique research. Professor of American Studies and African American and Diaspora Studies, Ulrich Adelt serves as an excellent resource in our courses. Adelt also serves as the Director of American Studies.
What Can You Do with an M.A. in American Studies?
We prepare students for a large variety of careers to pursue upon graduation. Many of our graduate students enter public service roles after they’ve completed our M.A. program. An American Studies degree also opens doors to careers in education, museums and archives, journalism, nonprofit leadership, policy research and corporate communications. Students develop advanced skills in research, critical thinking, writing and cultural analysis, positioning them for leadership roles or further academic study in fields like history, cultural studies, law or public policy.
- Education
- Non-Profit Work
- Preservationist
- Historian
- Collections Curator
Graduates from our M.A. program are making a difference at the following places:
- Alliance Historic Wyoming
- Laramie Main Street Alliance
- New Mexico Humanities Council
- Museum of Wildfowl Art
- National Park Service
- Foreign Diplomatic Offices
Studying American Studies at the master’s level offers a powerful interdisciplinary foundation for understanding U.S. culture, history, politics and society. You'll sharpen advanced skills in research, writing, critical analysis and communication, preparing you for careers in education, law, public service, journalism and nonprofit leadership. UW's program fosters cultural awareness, civic engagement and global thinking, allowing you to tailor your studies around your interests and positioning you for leadership roles or further academic study.
Students from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds can thrive in an M.A. in American Studies, especially those with degrees in history, English, political science, sociology, anthropology, ethnic studies, gender studies, media studies or related fields. These majors provide a strong foundation in critical thinking, cultural analysis and interdisciplinary inquiry, which are key skills for exploring the complexities of American history and culture.
Unlimited Possibilities Await You at UW
97,914 square miles. Just over 600,000 people. And one university powering innovation
across them all. The University of Wyoming's graduate programs are built on a strong
commitment to academic excellence, offering students the resources, mentorship and
opportunities they need to thrive in their fields and make meaningful, lasting contributions
to their disciplines.
School of Graduate Education
"This program is one of a kind as it functions as an opportunity for true holistic research that is rarely found in most science and art programs around campus."
- Former UW Graduate Student | American Studies
