The Master of Arts in American Studies is an interdisciplinary program which seeks to promote a fuller understanding of American culture through the study of American literature, ethnic heritage, and institutions—political, social, religious, and economic. The program strives to develop a greater understanding of American society, past and present, and to nurture analytical aptitudes essential to further intellectual growth. Using an interdisciplinary approach, American Studies draws on a wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, including anthropology, art, criminal justice, English, geography, history, humanities, political science, sociology, and speech.

American Studies offers students an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in a subject-oriented degree program.  For decades educational reformers have emphasized the need to stress subject matter over educational methodology.  The program may also serve as a springboard for graduate students planning to pursue Ph.D. programs in several disciplines in the social sciences and humanities.  Graduates of the program have found the degree useful in obtaining employment in tribal government, federal agencies, and the private sector.  American Studies also allows public school teachers in the social studies and language arts to earn a Master of Arts in fields that will broaden their understanding of the subjects they teach. The program is rigorous academically and challenging intellectually.  Graduates take considerable pride in the degree and stress the quality of instruction they experienced in the program.
 

Study America in a broadly-based program drawn from the following disciplines:

• Art
• Anthropology
• Criminal Justice
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Geography
• History
• Humanities
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Speech

Comments of students and graduates about the program
 

• "The most challenging of the Masters programs."
• "I found the instruction very professional."
• "I chose the American Studies Program for its flexibility."
• "The faculty is strong and dedicated."

Excerpts from the report of Willard B. Gatewood, Alumni Distinguished Professor of History, University of Arkansas, who evaluated the program in 1992
 

• "A superb faculty--individuals who are well-trained, abreast of developments in their fields, and genuinely concerned about their students."
• "Nowhere have I heard such uniformly complimentary remarks about the quality of the faculty from the students."
• "Students, to a person, characterized the educational experience at Northeastern as excellent.  In fact, they appeared to be certain that it was superior to what they would have received at Oklahoma's two comprehensive universities."

All courses taught by an outstanding faculty with doctorates from:
 

• University of Arkansas
• University of California, Riverside
• University of Denver
• Emory University
• Indiana University
• Louisiana State University
• Ohio University
• Oklahoma State University
• University of Oklahoma
• Stanford University
• Syracuse University
• University of Tennessee
• Texas Technological University
• University of Tulsa

Course of Study:  The M.A. in American Studies consists of thirty-two hours of graduate study, fifteen of which are specified.  A Seminar in American Studies should be taken early in the program.  Students are required to take at least one course in American history, one in American literature, a second course in American Studies, and a research seminar.  The remaining hours are electives or a combination of electives and thesis.

For more information on the American Studies Program, prerequisites, or admission requirements, write or call the:

Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Northeastern State University Tahlequah, OK  74464
Telephone:  918 456-5511  Ext. 3600

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