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The Master of Arts program in American Studies emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of American society and culture, coursework and hands-on experiences provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills to thrive in teaching and administrative roles in colleges, universities, and high schools; governmental and public policy agencies; museums, cultural organizations, and archives; and communications venues. Many students have enhanced their careers in secondary education or museums by obtaining a master’s degree at Penn State Harrisburg.

The program covers America broadly in its national and international contexts. All graduate students take an introductory seminar on American studies theory and methods, AMST 500 and a culminating seminar, AMST 591, that prepares them to undertake a master’s project or thesis, AM ST 580. Students work closely with faculty members to identify, research, and complete their project or thesis. American studies faculty members are active researchers who present their work to a wide variety of regional, national, and international scholarly and public venues and actively encourage their students to do so as well.

Areas of focus for coursework and research include history, politics, and cultural studies; literature popular culture; folklore and ethnography; visual and material culture; regional and urban studies; and public history and museum studies. Intersections of these areas with historic and contemporary issues of race, gender and sexuality, ethnicity, and class are key components of the program. Students can choose to earn a certificate in heritage and museum practice or folklore and ethnography in conjunction with the master’s degree.

The program benefits from Penn State Harrisburg's proximity to internationally known heritage sites such as the Gettysburg Battlefield, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center; Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, State Archives, and State Museum; historic ethnic-industrial sites of Hershey, Steelton, and the anthracite coal region; and Amish and Mennonite farmlands. Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, and Washington, D.C. provide further opportunities for research, internships, field trips, and other experiences.

This degree can be earned by full- or part-time study. Most graduate courses are offered in the evening.

Degree Conferred: M.A.

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