American Studies at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The American Studies Program is an honors-track major that is comparative and interdisciplinary in its approach to American Studies. The major draws on a broad range of faculty from the humanities and social sciences so that students can examine components of U.S. culture, the diverse experiences of Americans, and others affected by Americans locally, nationally, and globally. Students are allowed a wide-ranging yet disciplined exploration that crosses the boundaries of traditional academic fields.

Faculty: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

A key feature of the seminar sequences, in addition to their limited size, is that the students stay together for three quarters of an academic year, though the instructors normally change from quarter to quarter. These two courses count towards the ten required courses for the major.

Career pathways

The precise nature of a student's concentration often evolves through his or her career in the Program.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 71,802 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 (full-time $23,934 per quarter, fall/winter/spring); a single rate for all full-time undergraduate degree programmes; excludes room and board, student health, activity and athletics fees and health insurance. Source

Undergraduate terms run fall, winter and spring (quarter system); first-year applicants apply through Early Decision, Regular Decision or QuestBridge.

First-year deadlines for 2026-27: QuestBridge October 1, 2026; Early Decision November 1, 2026 (decisions December 2026); Regular Decision January 4, 2027 (decisions March 2027). Transfer: Early Decision March 1, 2027; Regular Decision April 1, 2027 (priority deadline for Bienen transfer applicants January 4, 2027).

Apply through the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir (QuestBridge for QuestBridge applicants). The nonrefundable application fee is $75 or a fee waiver. Northwestern is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.northwestern.edu/apply/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities