The American Studies Program offers an accelerated degree program which combines the American Studies B.A. and the Master of Arts degrees from Penn State Harrisburg. This Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) degree program offers a select group of high-achieving students the opportunity to earn both degrees in just five years, through a streamlined, continuous course of study; as many as twelve of the credits required for the master’s degree may be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The IUG program prepares exceptional students to thrive in doctoral programs as well as professional positions in historical and cultural organizations, museums, archives, educational institutions, government, media, and business.
The first two years of undergraduate coursework typically include the University general education requirements and lower-level courses. In the third year, students take upper-division coursework in American studies and define areas of interest. The fourth year involves graduate-level American Studies coursework, including required courses in American Studies theory and methods, AM ST 500. The fifth and final year of the program consists of further graduate coursework in American Studies and the identification of a research project that will culminate in the completion of a master's project or thesis, AM ST 580. IUG students work closely with faculty members to identify, research, and complete their master's project or thesis.