Overview

Research and teaching in the Department of American Studies at the University of Maryland focus on two intellectual themes: the cultures of everyday life, and cultural constructions of identity and difference. These themes drive our examinations of multiple cultures within the U.S., across the Americas, and transnationally.

They also embrace numerous cultural studies approaches, including material and visual culture, ethnography and life history, popular culture and media studies, queer studies, studies of the body and sexualities, gender studies, food studies, digital cultures, critical race studies, and cultural landscapes and geography.

Features

The Department benefits from a large and diverse affiliate faculty, strong relationships with cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian museums, and ready access to many other museums in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, government agencies, archives and historical societies, and multiple local communities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theories and History in American Studies
Decorative Arts in American Civilization
Methods of Cultural Analysis
Critical Theory and Literary Criticism
Historiography
American History
Advanced Feminist Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 108 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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Credits

45 SCH

51 credits if entering with a bachelor's degree

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

College Park, United States

Disciplines

American and Australasian studies View 24 other PhDs in American and Australasian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

Many admitted students have previously majored in American Studies, History, English, Ethnic Studies, Women’s Studies, Anthropology, Art or Architectural History, Journalism, and Communications.
However, applicants with broad backgrounds in arts and humanities and/or the behavioral and social sciences are also given serious consideration if interdisciplinary, American Studies-related subject matter or theories have been emphasized.
Statement of Purpose
Transcript(s)
TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
Letters of Recommendation (3)
CV/Resume
Writing Samples (1 required, up to 2 more optional))
Description of Research/Work Experience
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

9390 USD / year

≈ 9390 USD / year
Out-of-State

9390 USD / year

≈ 9390 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4390 USD / year

≈ 4390 USD / year

Living costs

College Park

United States

1676 - 2838 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for American Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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