Q: I noticed a recent change in AMST course requirements. Does this mean I have to enroll in another 4 hours to meet the 20 hours of core courses instead of 16 hours?
- If you entered American Studies graduate program prior to fall 2006, you will be recognized as an "old" system student. Students admitted to AMST during fall 2006 and after must follow the new course requirements.
Q: How is a combined degree different from a dual degree or a double degree?
- The "dual degree" is a term used at the Master’s level—students pursuing a Master’s Degree simultaneously from two different departments or schools.
- The "double degree" is the term used at the Ph.D. level—students can pursue a Ph.D. from two different degree granting departments or schools—either simultaneously or repeatedly. See Graduate Bulletin for more details.
- The "combined degree" is similar to a double degree but AMST does not offer a free-standing Ph.D. degree.
Q: Do I send an application to American Studies and a separate application to my other department?
- Send the on-line application to your home department and send a letter of intent to the American Studies Admission Committee.
Q: How do I apply for the combined degree?
- Simultaneously, when you send your application to your home department send a letter to the AMST Admissions Committee including a copy of your statement of purpose. Please indicate the department in which you have applied.
Q: What type of GRE scores do you require?
- It is recommended that either your verbal or quantitative score be at least 600.
Q: Does AMST require that I take the subject exam for my GRE?
- We recommend a subject exam however if your home department does not require a subject exam we will defer to their decision.
Q: Can I take American Studies classes while I’m working on my Master’s Degree in another department?
- We encourage you to take AMST classes as soon as you like. However, if you do not enter the Ph.D. level these courses will only count as electives for your MA. You must be admitted to a Ph.D. program before the AMST courses will count toward an AMST minor or combined degree.
Q: Can my MA degree transfer credit satisfy any American Studies credit?
- The College of Arts and Sciences allows a maximum of 30 hours of transfer credits to help fulfill the 90 hours required for the Ph.D. The transfer credits can only be counted for one department—your major department or the AMST combined degree—not both.
Q: I am in the process of applying for admission to the Ph.D. program. Based on the information (given on the web) it seems there is little funding for tuition.
- We realize funding is a concern for all students. You are correct. Due to American Studies being a Program and not a department, we do not have funding available for incoming students with the exception of two $2,500 "top off" fellowships. Each year cooperating departments submit their top applicants whose areas are compatible with AMST. These fellowships are awarded to 2 applicants who choose to pursue an AMST minor or combined degree.
Q: Should I take my home department exams before or after I take my qualifying exam in AMST?
- We recommend you take your home department comprehensive exams prior to taking your AMST Qualifying Exam. The AMST exam must be taken within 1 year of your major exams.
Q: How do I set up my exam in American Studies?
- Contact the AMST Director of Graduate Studies, Vivian N. Halloran, vhallora
indiana.edu or call 856-0500, to begin preparation of a bibliography list and comprehensive statement of your intent.
- See Qualifying Exam Guidelines and Exam Format
Q: Should I pursue a combined degree?
- After surveying our website, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Vivian N. Halloran, vhallora indiana.edu or call 856-0500.
Q: Does American Studies have a minor Ph.D. program?
- Yes, American Studies offer two minors; AMST Ph.D. minor and an NAIS Ph.D. minor.
