American Studies
Master of Arts
"A Republic, if you can keep it." — Benjamin Franklin
- Outstanding professors in American history, literature, sociology, and philosophy guide you to deepen your understanding of American culture. Gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the literature, music, history, politics, and culture of the United States.
- Learn first-hand how outsiders view this nation by studying abroad (optional) for one semester at the Institute for English and American Studies at the University of Pannonia in Veszprém, Hungary. All courses are taught in English and the tuition is half of Nazareth's price.
- Intern at a museum, school, or international organization, in the U.S. or in Hungary.
Highlights
Some evening classes
Traditional (on-campus), hybrid (half online), and online classes offered
Complete in as fast as 12 months full-time
Low-cost study abroad option
Program is Ideal For
- Getting jobs in the U.S. government, museum work, diplomacy, or teaching.
- Recent college graduates in the humanities.
- Education students with undergraduate teaching certifications. Receive professional teaching certification in English, social studies, or history through this program.
What to Expect
- Learn from faculty with expertise in American history, art, English, political science, linguistics, music, philosophy, and sociology.
- Choose one-year or two-year option.
- Internship options include working for a semester at a museum, archive, art gallery, educational institution, religious organization, non-profit group, or other organization.
Why Nazareth?
“My goal was to expand my horizons and open myself up to different career opportunities. I believe that higher education has incredible potential for societal uplift. Education, particularly at Nazareth, is a pathway to unlock the empathy, varied perspectives, and critical thinking that is becoming increasingly crucial to everyday life. I switched careers during the COVID pandemic, and my master’s degree added to my skill set and increased my appeal to employers. My faculty and coursework at Nazareth were strong. My advice: Reach out to faculty, admissions, or alumni to get all the information you can to help you make the decision that best supports your goals.”
— Matthew W. Allen '15, '24G, an admissions counselor at Finger Lakes Community College
Value of Your Degree
- You also could become an American studies professor, diplomat, government employee, archivist, or museum curator.
- Incomes vary by careers. The average salary for a high school teacher: $65,220; for a political scientist, $132,350; for a museum archivist or curator, $57,120 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
- Graduates of the American Studies program have gone on to work in school districts, universities, and companies such as Xerox and Woods Oviatt Gilman law firm.
Making Grad School Affordable
Grants, scholarships, veterans benefits, loans, and undergraduate loan forgiveness are options for paying for this master's degree.