Admission deadlines: Fall - April 1 (February 1 for fellowship consideration)
Spring - October 1
Standardized test scores: The GRE general exam is not required.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
Minimum scores for the program are:
- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0; or
- TOEFL: 550 on paper-based or 80 on Internet-based; or
- PTE Academic: 53
Applicants to the MA who do not meet minimum English language requirements may be eligible for our full-time Applied English Language program.
Recommendations required: Two (2) recommendations
Prerequisite requirements: The degree of Bachelor of Arts in American studies or a related field.
Prior academic records: Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.
If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.
Statement of purpose: An essay of no more than 500 - 750 words, in which you state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field and in American Studies at GW in particular, including your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans.
International applicants only: Please flow this link - https://columbian.gwu.edu/international-graduate-applicants - to review the International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents and English language requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College  of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

General studies—30 credits, including a 3-credit required course, 6 credits in research seminar courses, and 21 credits in elective courses; museums and material culture concentration—30 credits, including 6 credits in required courses, 6 credits in research seminars, and 18 credits in elective courses*.

General studies requirements

AMST 6100Scope and Methods in American Studies
At least six credits in research seminars. This may include AMST 6195 taken twice or other approved research courses.
A minimum of 21 credits in elective courses pertaining to the study of American culture approved by the department. These may include graduate courses in anthropology, English, fine arts and art history, geography, history, media and public affairs, and political science.

Concentration in museums and material culture requirements

*The concentration in museums and material culture will no longer be offered as of the fall 2025 semester. The new MA in museums, history, and culture is currently accepting applications for fall 2025.

Required
AMST 6100Scope and Methods in American Studies
AMST 6710American Material Culture
At least 6 credits in designated research seminars.
At least 18 additional credits in courses pertaining to the study of American culture, museum studies, and museum education