Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application 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 for questions:
askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
30 credits, including a 3-credit required course, 6 credits in research seminar courses, and 21 credits in elective courses.
The concentration in museums and material culture is no longer offered*.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| AMST 6100 | Scope and Methods in American Studies | |
| At least 6 credits in research seminars. This can include AMST 6195 taken twice or other approved research courses. | ||
| At least 21 credits in elective courses pertaining to the study of American culture approved by the department. These might 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 is no longer offered. Students interested in this field should see the MA in museums, history, and culture.
For student who entered the MA program prior to fall 2025:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| AMST 6100 | Scope and Methods in American Studies | |
| AMST 6710 | American 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 | ||