PhD American Studies at University of Kansas

Programme overview

American Studies at the University of Kansas is an interdisciplinary department whose faculty and students think critically about community, identity, and social justice in U.S. culture, politics, and society. We study the multiple and contested meanings of “American” both nationally and transnationally, and with attention to constructions of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, class, region, age, and sexuality.

Faculty: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Department: Liberal Arts & Sciences› | Location: Lawrence, KS, United States

What you will study

Comprehensive Examination Following the completion of required courses, the student enrolls in AMS 997 Examination Preparation to prepare for the comprehensive examination. In consultation with the faculty advisor, the student may also enroll in additional seminars or directed readings courses to prepare.

Career pathways

Our graduate students go on to varied and successful careers in a range of fields in addition to higher education, including politics, non-profits, archival and library sciences work, museum studies, and public education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to Graduate Studies Admission Requirements All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy. Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required. English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms follow the KU academic calendar; the application for first-year and transfer students is submitted through the KU application portal (go2.ku.edu). The fall freshman scholarship deadline is Dec. 1, the FAFSA priority deadline is Feb. 1 and the fall transfer scholarship deadline is Aug. 1.

Graduate application fee: $65 domestic degree-seeking, $100 international degree-seeking; waivers available. Requirements and deadlines are set by each programme.

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