American Studies Certificate
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Program Description
Introduction
Stockton’s graduate program in American Studies offers a 30-credit master’s degree and a 15- credit certificate program that cross disciplinary and professional boundaries in an effort to explore the multiple cultures that comprise the United States within both regional and global contexts.
American Studies asks what it means to be “American.” It interrogates the forces that hold Americans together, while also recognizing that “America” has always been a contested category whose meaning has changed over time. American Studies at Stockton is also decidedly transnational, emphasizing hemispheric, diasporic, and transatlantic approaches to American history and culture.
The American Studies program builds on Stockton University’s long-standing commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship. The program’s faculty members are respected scholars in traditional disciplines, such as literature, history, art history, political science, anthropology, sociology, and communication studies, as well as interdisciplinary fields, including Latin American and Caribbean studies, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality studies, Native American studies, Africana studies, Jewish studies, postcolonial studies, and studies of American culture and the environment.
Stockton’s American Studies program provides an advanced interdisciplinary degree option for students seeking professional and personal advancement through the liberal arts. The degree and certificate programs are tailored to fit a variety of career goals as well as to provide preparation for professional degrees or doctoral programs in the humanities and social sciences. Degree and certificate candidates could seek careers – or enrich their careers – in public relations, education, law, journalism, government, museums, auction houses, libraries, and nonprofits. The program’s international approach to American studies will, furthermore, prepare graduates with skills to understand globalization and the relationship of the United States with different parts of the world.
Graduate students enter Stockton’s American Studies program from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of skills, professional experiences, and research interests. They will find a community of scholars and a range of resources to complement their specific interests and allow them to pursue their personal and professional goals.
Admission Requirements
Completed online application
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required).
A minimum undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.0.
Testing Requirements:
Standardized test scores (GRE or MAT) are required for international applicants without U.S. or Canadian degrees and for applicants with lower than a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A.
Standardized test scores are optional for students with a 3.0 G.P.A. or above with a U.S. or Canadian undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
Three current letters of recommendation along with the recommendation form written specifically for admission to the MAAS program.
A current resume.
Direct Entry
Direct Entry is an application option for recent Stockton graduates (within the past three years). Direct Entry applicants are not required to submit GRE or MAT scores, letters of recommendation, or an application fee. To be eligible for Direct Entry, the applicant must have a 3.4 minimum G.P.A. in the program and 3.2 cumulative. To apply, applicants submit the Direct Entry Form, graduate application essay, and a writing sample.
Transfer Credit
The University accepts up to 9 credits of appropriate graduate study from other colleges and universities, subject to approval by the MAAS Chair. Credits earned from American Studies courses taken prior to matriculation in the program (see “Non-Degree Option” below) are treated as Stockton credits; the combined credits from transfer courses and classes taken in other Stockton graduate programs, such as the Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies program or one of the Master of Arts in Education programs, may not exceed 9 credits for candidates for the M.A. degree and 3 credits for candidates for the Certificate in American Studies.
In addition, students who write an exemplary undergraduate thesis at Stockton can also acquire up to 3 graduate credits following evaluation of the thesis by a faculty committee. The committee will evaluate undergraduate theses for graduate credit based on their presentation of a complex scholarly argument grounded in analysis of archival/primary sources and situated within a broader understanding of the field. To apply for this credit at the time of application to the program, submit three hard copies of your thesis to the MAAS Chair as well as documentation that you received an A on your thesis. This credit will be factored into the allowed transfer credits indicated above.
Non-Degree Option
Non-matriculated individuals may enroll in American Studies courses provided they meet the admission requirements as determined by the MAAS Chair. Non-matriculated students will be limited to a maximum of 9 credits of graduate study toward the M.A. and 3 credits toward the Certificate in American Studies. Registration in classes for non-matriculated students and qualified undergraduates will be on a space-available basis once all matriculated students have registered. Consult the MAAS Chair to have credits earned as a non-matriculated student and a qualified undergraduate count toward your degree.
Master of Arts Degree Requirements
Graduate students in American Studies wishing to enroll in more than 9 credits (typically three classes) per semester must have the Graduate Chair’s approval. Generally, students must have at least a 3.6 G.P.A. in graduate American Studies coursework for waiver approval.
Thesis, Internship, and Independent Study Experiences
Students choosing to complete a master’s thesis will engage in a 6-credit, two-semester, research tutorial directed by an American Studies faculty member serving as the Thesis Advisor and must adhere to the Thesis Guidelines and Requirements contained in the Office of Graduate Studies Thesis Manual.
Students completing internships must also fulfill assignments outside of their internship developed by their on-site supervisor and the Internship Coordinator. A 3-credit internship will accumulate a minimum of 90 hours over the course of the semester (6 hours per week x 15 weeks). A 6-credit internship will accumulate a minimum of 180 hours. Total hours may include time for independent research and writing, determined in consultation with the Internship Coordinator and the site supervisor.
Students writing theses, engaging in internships, doing independent studies, and/or travelling on study tours will work with their faculty advisors to determine which type of elective each experience should fulfill (Periods, Approaches and Applications, or Topics). The program encourages students to develop a wide range of skills and approaches toward the study of American culture and history, and it recognizes that the line between creative and critical work is fluid: critical writing can incorporate traditionally creative techniques, and creative writing can offer valuable critical insights and perspectives. Accordingly, students may develop creative writing projects as part of their curriculum, but such projects should have a critical focus on American culture or history. All independent studies and internship projects must include a reflective statement that connects the work to American Studies methods and/or theories. Students should present final results of exemplary work to the American Studies faculty, students, and community members at the Graduate Student Research Symposium or Graduate Student Conference. The total number of credits earned for all internships, independent studies and graduate theses combined should not exceed 9 credits. Exceptions may be approved by MAAS Chair.
Certificate Requirements
The Certificate in American Studies allows students to earn advanced training in American Studies without committing to a master’s degree program. The certificate program requires 15 hours of graduate credit. This includes five courses, two of which must be AMST 5000: Proseminar in American Studies and AMST 5001: Research Methods in American Studies. Certificate students are also required to complete three American Studies elective courses.
Academic Progress
Degree Completion
To be awarded a graduate degree, a student must have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 in courses applied toward the graduate program.
Maintenance of Matriculation Requirement for Graduate Students
Once admitted to a degree program, graduate students must either be continuously registered for credit each semester (excluding summer terms) until they complete their degree requirements, or they must apply for and receive Maintenance of Matriculation status and pay the requisite fee in lieu of tuition. Graduate students who neither register for credit during a Fall or Spring term nor apply for and receive Maintenance of Matriculation status and pay the requisite fee will lose their student status and must apply for readmission to the University and be reaccepted in order to continue their graduate work.
Leave of Absence
Although the University has a Maintenance of Matriculation requirement for graduate students, a Leave of Absence may be granted, normally for medical, family, or military reasons. A Leave of Absence is the process of leaving school temporarily for up to one year. A Leave of Absence is valid for one year and is renewable yearly, for a maximum of five years, by notifying the Office of the Registrar before the Leave expires, via the Leave of Absence Form.
Program Completion Timeline
Students are expected to complete all aspects of the program within six years of matriculation, not including time spent on school-approved Leave of Absence. Please see the Bulletin for details on the Leave of Absence policy. Students who do not complete all of their graduate work over the six years of matriculation may be dismissed from the program. Students completing thesis or incomplete work but not taking any classes must remain on Maintenance of Matriculation Status.
Graduation With Special Honors
Program Distinction constitutes recognition of outstanding graduate work in the American Studies program for graduating students. Program Distinction will be awarded to those students whose combination of course work and extracurricular activities merit special recognition. The award is based on the consensus of the MAAS faculty.
The following criteria are used to assess the awarding of Program Distinction:
A minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.9 at the time of graduation.
Superior performance in program work, as evidenced by written work completed for course assignments.
Significant contributions to the program by, for example, demonstrating excellence in program and community service.
As judged by the faculty, any other exceptional academic achievement in the area of American Studies, e.g., curriculum design for K-12 education, outstanding performance in an internship or the quality of a master’s thesis.
Academic Standing, Probation and Dismissal
A graduate student must maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. For courses to count toward their degree, students must receive at least a C+ in that class. Students whose cumulative G.P.A. falls below 3.0 will be notified that they are on Academic Probation. Such students must bring their G.P.A. up to 3.0 by the time they complete an additional 9 credit hours. Students on probation who do not accomplish this are subject to dismissal from the graduate program and from the University.
Procedure for a Grievance Concerning a Course
Discuss the problem with the faculty member directly and attempt to resolve the problem, unless it is inappropriate to do so (i.e., discrimination).
Discuss with the Program Chair only after attempting to follow Procedure #1, unless it is inappropriate to do so (i.e., discrimination).
Contact the Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities if your problem has not been resolved through steps #1 and #2.
American Studies Graduate Policy for Taking Courses in Other Graduate Programs
With the approval of the MAAS Director, students may take up to three graduate courses (9 credits) in another Stockton graduate program for elective credit. Credits earned from American Studies graduate courses taken prior to matriculation in the program are treated as Stockton credits; the combined credits from transfer courses and classes taken in the Master of Holocaust and Genocide Studies program or one of the Master of Arts in Education programs, including MAIT, MAEL, and MAED, may not exceed 9 credits for candidates for the M.A. degree and 3 credits for candidates for the Certificate in American Studies.
Policy Regarding Undergraduates Taking American Studies Courses for Credit
Undergraduate Programs offering accelerated Dual Degree programs allow students to earn a B.A. in their majors and a M.A. in American Studies in as few as five years. Participating programs include the B.A. in Africana Studies, Historical Studies, Literary Studies, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science, and Sociology/Anthropology. For more information, check the appropriate program’s websites.
Advanced undergraduates who have completed a minimum of 96 undergraduate credits and have an overall G.P.A. of at least 3.2 are eligible to enroll in an AMST course. Undergraduates not enrolled in a Dual Degree program through their major need the permission of the MAAS Program Chair to take an AMST course for graduate credit.
Students may apply a maximum of 12 credits acquired as undergraduates to the M.A. in American Studies.
Undergraduate Dual Degree students must complete (or concurrently enroll in) one of the two core MAAS courses, AMST 5000 (fall) or AMST 5001 (spring) before enrolling in an AMST 5000-level elective, independent study or internship.
Full-time undergraduate students who enroll in AMST graduate courses will be charged flat-rate undergraduate tuition and fees plus a surcharge of $100 per credit for the graduate courses they take.
Undergraduates will receive 3 graduate credits toward the M.A. degree for each AMST course they take.
An AMST course taken by an undergraduate can be counted toward the required credits needed for the M.A. degree in American Studies only if the student has earned a B or better. These credits are treated as Stockton credits.
Check the Graduate Studies website for the “Graduate Course Access Form” for the proper procedures to complete when considering this opportunity.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is a very serious issue. All students enrolled in graduate courses at Stockton University are required to follow the Academic Honesty Policy.
Core Courses
Certificate and M.A. students must complete both core courses. It is recommended that the core courses be taken at the beginning of a student's graduate studies.
AMST 5000 Proseminar in American Studies
AMST 5001 Research Methods in American Studies
Elective Courses
Certificate students must complete three electives and may draw from any of the categories below.
M.A. students must complete eight electives. At least two of the electives must be in two of the three categories listed below (Periods Electives, Approaches and Applications Electives, and Topics Electives).
Periods Electives (P) examine a particular historical time period from the perspective of multiple disciplines and intellectual paradigms, sample courses include:.
AMST 5007 Contemporary America
AMST 5018 The Sixties
AMST 5026 The Vietnam War
AMST 5030 1930’s America
AMST 5035 Women in World War II
AMST 5059 Slavery and Civil Rights in the US
Approaches and Applications Electives (A) explore a particular theoretical or methodological approach in American Studies, sample courses include:
AMST 5002 Critical Theory and American Studies
AMST 5005 Teaching History through Historic Places
AMST 5011 Digital Humanities
AMST 5012 Pragmatism
AMST 5013 Museum Studies: Special Topics
AMST 5014 Non-Profit Management: Culture and Preservation
AMST 5015 Documenting America: Film Analysis and Practice
AMST 5017 Teaching American Studies
AMST 5025 American Political Thought
AMST 5031 Queer Theory / Queer Lives
AMST 5033 Archival Studies
AMST 5038 Native American Literature
AMST 5040 Museums and The Display of Diversity
Topics Electives (T) interrogate a particular issue or theme related to the cultures of the United States and/or the Americas, sample courses include:
AMST 5003 Literature of the Americas
AMST 5004 19th- Century American Art
AMST 5006 The Hero in American Drama
AMST 5008 The U.S. and the World
AMST 5009 Worlds of Moby-Dick
AMST 5010 American Sexualities
AMST 5014 Africans in the Americas
AMST 5019 Identity Narratives in Black Culture
AMST 5022 Superheroes, Politics, & America
AMST 5023 Ethnography of the U.S.
AMST 5024 Red Summer
AMST 5026 Slavery and Civil Rights in U.S. History
AMST 5027 Puerto Ricans in the U.S.
AMST 5028 Settler Colonialism: A Long History
AMST 5032 Urban Transformations
AMST 5039 American Environmentalisms
Other electives to be assigned to one of the elective categories above—Periods, Approaches and Applications, or Topics—in consultation with faculty advisors:
AMST 5020 Study Tour
AMST 5060 Special Topics
AMST 5090 AMST Transfer Elective
AMST 5800 Independent Study
AMST 5890 Thesis (6 credits)
AMST 5900 Internship
Graduate Assistantship Program
Terms
Graduate Assistantships are available on a semester basis. Graduate Assistants work with faculty or professional staff on assigned projects involving American Studies. In return, students receive a tuition waiver for a specified number of graduate credits in which they are enrolled during the semester the Assistantship has been awarded.
Workload
A Graduate Assistant's workload is prorated based on the number of credits of support awarded. Each awarded credit hour requires approximately 3 hours of work per week with a faculty or staff member for 14 weeks. The work hours are defined by the program for which the assistant is assigned, consistent with University procedure.
Note: Holding a Graduate Assistantship may impact your eligibility for financial aid or the amount of such aid.
Eligibility for Awards
Students must apply for Graduate Assistantships each semester to be eligible for consideration. The awards are competitive, and first priority will be given to full-time students (6 credits or more) with seniority in the American Studies program who have proven themselves through a strong academic record and service to the program and broader Stockton community. Grades are a factor but do not determine assignments.
Application Procedure
Interested students must submit a Graduate Assistantship Application Form (this can be found on the Graduate Studies website) to the MAAS Chair no later than October 31 for Spring semesters and March 31 for Fall semesters. The application includes a cover letter explaining why the student wants and needs a Graduate Assistantship. In addition, students should submit the following:
An up-to-date unofficial printout of their transcript.
Students who have not previously received grades in the program should contact two of their professors and ask them to complete the recommendation form available on the American Studies website. Complete recommendations should be delivered to the MAAS Chair.
Students will be notified of the program’s decision by December for the Spring semester and May for the Fall semester.
Selection Procedure
A committee of MAAS faculty reviews applications after the application deadline and decides which students to nominate for the available Graduate Assistant credits. Graduate Assistant nominations will be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions for final approval.
Nominations are based on merit, research skills, and academic achievement as well as financial need. Previous performance as a Graduate Assistant may also be considered. Attempts are made to match the skills of GAs with the needs of faculty with whom they will be working that semester. The committee aims to consider diversity in distributing GAs. This includes diversity by race, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability as well as field and institution of undergraduate degree. Because the Committee aims to distribute GAs among our students, an individual cannot hold a position as a GA or work for a single professor for more than 3 semesters.
For more information about Graduate Assistantships, see the Graduate Assistantship Handbook.
Full details about the curriculum are accessible on the MA in American Studies website.
