Graduate Certificate in American Studies

The Graduate Certificate in American Studies at UConn provides students with the opportunity to learn about U.S. culture and its relationship to the world through an integrative approach. This graduate certificate is open to current UConn graduate students.

A graduate student gestures while answering a question during a class.

Program Details

Students in this program will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of American culture, history, and society, helping them become more well-rounded in their teaching and research. Working toward this certificate provides junior scholars with a space to think outside of their disciplines by crafting a multi-modal dissertation project.

Our curriculum brings together courses in history, English, and political science, allowing students to explore various topics, including:

  • American history and memorialization.
  • Major American texts and literature.
  • United States and popular culture.

    Requirements and Courses

    Students must complete a total of 12 credits, including:

    • AMST/HIST 6000/ENGL 6800: American Studies: Methods and Major Texts.
    • AMST/HIST/ENGL 6850: American Studies: Keywords (substitutions for this course may be approved by the American Studies area director).
    • Two additional courses (six credits) listed outside of your home department or that are explicitly multidisciplinary in focus.

    Outcomes and Careers

    Earning a Graduate Certificate in American Studies greatly enhances your career opportunities. Ph.D. students with this credential are highly sought after for high school teaching positions and roles in public-facing agencies. It can also strengthen your law school applications and significantly boost your candidacy for tenure-track positions in fields such as American studies, English, history, political science, and sociology.

    Admissions

    Eligible students must already be enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Connecticut. Students interested in the graduate certificate are advised to first meet with the Area Director of American Studies.

    How to Apply

    • Apply for the certificate through the UConn Graduate School.
    • You will be prompted to upload your UConn transcript (including courses in progress).
    • If you receive a prompt to “Submit Payment” after you select the “Finalize Application and Pay” button, email Graduate Admissions to request that your $75 application fee be waived.