Overview

The American Studies M.A. at Saint Louis University offers a comprehensive academic foundation in the origins, development, and diverse practices of the field. Students engage in deep critical analysis of American cultural expressions while developing the sophisticated writing and research capabilities necessary for independent scholarly work. This programme is designed to foster a nuanced understanding of the complex social and political forces that shape the American experience.

Why American Studies at Saint Louis University?

The department features an award-winning faculty specifically trained in the discipline, with the majority holding doctoral degrees in the field. Students benefit from a focused teaching environment while maintaining the flexibility to take interdisciplinary courses in related departments. The faculty offers specialised expertise in several key areas, including:

Cultural studies and the study of U.S. empire.
American religion and its intersection with the carceral state.
Urban and regional studies, with a focus on St. Louis civil rights history.
Environmental humanities and indigenous studies.
Popular culture of the late 20th century and regional identity.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1400 per credit
National fee: USD 1400 per credit
Local fee: USD 1400 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 30 credits of coursework, including a mandatory foundational seminar and a choice between a research thesis or a professional portfolio. Modules may include:

Perspectives in American Studies
African American Politics, Culture & Identity
Frontiers & Borderlands
Metropolitan America
Practice of American Studies
Many Midwests
American Political Thought
Visual Culture Theory
Visions of U.S. Empire

Careers with American Studies

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse professional pathways within the public humanities and cultural sectors. The degree provides a strong foundation for roles in museums, historical societies, and libraries, as well as positions within non-profit agencies and arts organisations. Additionally, the M.A. serves as an essential stepping stone for those intending to pursue further doctoral research or professional qualifications in related humanities and social science disciplines.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Perspectives in American Studies

African American Politics, Culture & Identity

Frontiers & Borderlands: Contact & Conquest in the American Imagination

Metropolitan America

Practice of American Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Saint Louis, United States

Disciplines

American and Australasian studies View 131 other Masters in American and Australasian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete an online application.

If you are applying to enter SLU as a first-time, freshman student, we’ll also ask you to complete an essay.

There is no application fee to apply for undergraduate admission to SLU.

Send transcripts of all secondary work.

Submit proof of your English language proficiency.

These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT or Duolingo score. All of our international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency, and these tests can help us make that determination.

If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21000 USD / year

≈ 21000 USD / year
Out-of-State

21000 USD / year

≈ 21000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21000 USD / year

≈ 21000 USD / year

Living costs

Saint Louis

United States

1015 - 1530 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for American Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Saint Louis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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