Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in American Studies
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in American Studies at UB provides an advanced understanding of the history and culture of the Americas, focusing on its transnational, intersectional, and interdisciplinary dimensions. The program stresses the interconnectedness of race, settler colonialism, and patriarchy in shaping the experiences of peoples and cultures across the Americas. It is designed to be completed within two years for most full-time students, offering a broad-based curriculum that allows for significant exploration of individual research interests. The program culminates in the completion of a master's thesis or project, demonstrating the student's capacity for original and significant research.
Curriculum: The M.A. in American Studies requires a total of 32 credit hours. At least 21 of these credits must be taken within the Department of Africana and American Studies, which also encompasses Canadian Studies. Core requirements include "AMS 503 Introduction to American Studies" and "AMS 504 Diversity and Cultural Awareness." The remaining credits are fulfilled through a combination of elective courses and a culminating experience, which can be either an M.A. thesis or a research project. Electives can be chosen from graduate-level courses in American Studies (AMS), African and African-American Studies (AAS/TNS), and Canadian Studies (CDN), with a limited number of credits allowed from outside these departments. The curriculum builds on traditional strengths in areas such as American Indian studies, critical race theory, feminism, class analysis, and community engagement.
Research Focus: The American Studies program at UB is deeply committed to rigorous, socially engaged scholarship. Research in the Department of Africana and American Studies aims to reclaim the voices, histories, and cultures of marginalized peoples within the U.S. and globally. Faculty expertise and student research interests span a wide array of topics, including American Indian/Indigenous studies (especially Haudenosaunee/Iroquois history, art, and culture), the Black Atlantic and the African diaspora in the Americas, Asia and the Asian diaspora in the Americas, and Chicana/o, Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American studies. Scholarly work is encouraged on history, politics, visual cultures, literary and oral cultures, environmental and agricultural practices, religions, gender, sexuality, and kinship. The culminating master's thesis or project is a significant component where students undertake original research under the guidance of faculty.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in American Studies is primarily an academic and research-oriented program, its interdisciplinary nature and focus on socially engaged scholarship provide graduates with skills applicable across various industries. The program's emphasis on critical analysis, research, cultural understanding, and effective communication is highly valued in fields such as publishing, journalism, museum curation, non-profit administration, and public policy. While direct "industry engagement" in the sense of corporate partnerships might be less overt than in professional schools, the program prepares students for roles that require deep cultural literacy and analytical rigor, fostering intellectual work that can inform and impact diverse professional sectors. Students' varied backgrounds, from documentary producers to social workers, also highlight the program's relevance to practitioners across different fields.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in American Studies at UB explicitly adopts a global and hemispheric approach to its subject matter. This means examining local cultures, nations, and regions within the Americas in their broader geopolitical contexts. The program offers a strong focus on transnational and intersectional studies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of peoples and cultures across borders. Faculty members often have expertise spanning North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America, contributing to a rich understanding of the Black Atlantic and the African diaspora, as well as Asian and Latinx diasporas in the Americas. This global lens prepares graduates to analyze and engage with complex cultural and historical issues that transcend national boundaries, making them well-suited for roles that require a nuanced understanding of international relations and diverse cultural narratives.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
An M.A. in American Studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a sophisticated understanding of American culture, history, and society, viewed through interdisciplinary and global lenses. This program cultivates advanced research, critical thinking, and communication skills, making graduates highly adaptable to a variety of professional environments.
Museum Curator/Archivist: Graduates can work in museums, historical societies, and archives, where their expertise in American history, culture, and material culture is invaluable. They may be involved in curating exhibits, managing collections, conducting research, and educating the public about American heritage.
Cultural Program Coordinator/Manager: With a deep understanding of diverse cultural narratives, graduates can work for cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, or government agencies to develop and manage programs, events, and initiatives that promote cultural understanding and engagement.
Journalist/Editor/Content Creator: The strong research, writing, and analytical skills honed in an American Studies program are highly transferable to careers in journalism, publishing, and various forms of content creation. Graduates can work as reporters, editors, freelance writers, or content strategists for media outlets, publishing houses, or digital platforms.
Policy Analyst/Researcher (Non-profit/Government): Graduates can apply their critical analysis of social structures and historical contexts to research and evaluate public policies. They may work for think tanks, advocacy organizations, or government agencies, contributing to policy development related to social justice, cultural affairs, or community development.
Educator (K-12 or Community College): While an M.A. typically doesn't lead directly to a university professorship without further doctoral study, it provides an excellent foundation for teaching at the K-12 level (often requiring additional certification) or at community colleges, where they can teach history, literature, or interdisciplinary studies.
Public Relations/Marketing Specialist: The ability to understand and interpret cultural trends, communicate effectively, and craft compelling narratives is highly valued in public relations and marketing. Graduates can work for agencies or in-house departments, shaping public perception and connecting with diverse audiences.
Librarian/Information Professional: An M.A. in American Studies, often combined with a Master of Library Science (MLS), can lead to careers as librarians or information specialists. Their research skills are particularly useful in academic libraries, special collections, or archives.
International Relations/Cultural Exchange Specialist: Given the program's global and hemispheric perspective, graduates are well-suited for roles in international relations, cultural exchange programs, or diplomatic service. They can help foster cross-cultural understanding and navigate complex international dynamics.
Human Resources/Diversity and Inclusion Professional: The program's emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and understanding various cultural experiences can be highly relevant in human resources departments, particularly in roles focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives, training, and employee relations.
Grant Writer/Fundraiser: Non-profit organizations often seek individuals who can articulate their mission and impact persuasively to secure funding. The research, writing, and analytical skills of an American Studies graduate are ideal for crafting compelling grant proposals and fundraising appeals.
