PhD American Studies at Harvard University

Programme overview

The PhD in American Studies is an interdisciplinary doctoral programme, the second oldest in the nation, that treats the United States in global context and integrates disciplinary methods to address issues such as environment, labor, democracy, colonialism, race, gender and migration.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Program in American Studies | Intake: Application deadline January 5, 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

What you will study

Two American Studies Colloquium courses (one in each of the first two years), a required professional development seminar in the third year, and twice-annual presentations of prospectuses and dissertation chapters; students may take courses and pursue dissertations with faculty across Harvard.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme: personal statement and a writing sample (term paper, senior thesis, master's essay or collection of written work, no page limit) are required. The statement of purpose should indicate research interests and potential advisors. GRE General is optional. Three letters of recommendation are required (at least one from a faculty member at the school of the most recent degree unless out of school for more than five years). English proficiency for non-native speakers: an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, or TOEFL iBT minimum 5 (95 for tests taken before January 21, 2026) with Speaking minimum 4.5, or IELTS Academic minimum 7 with Speaking minimum 6.5. A master's degree does not count as proof. Application deadline January 5, 2027 (5:00 p.m.).

USD 59,048 a year (2026-27). Harvard Griffin GSAS full tuition for PhD students, required for the first two years of study, 2026-27; reduced tuition is $15,352 in years three and four and the continuation fee is $3,906 after year four; PhD students may receive grants covering tuition Source

Intake: Application deadline January 5, 2027

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