Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of American Studies

Housed in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, American Studies at GW is one of the nation's most rigorous and innovative programs. With a core of 11 full-time and nine affiliated and associated faculty members, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary cultural analysis with approaches from anthropology, architectural history, art history, English, folklife, geography, media studies, history, performance studies, and political theory. The department’s particular strengths are in cultural history and cultural studies, art and culture, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, transnational American studies, urban studies of space and place, political and public cultures, and religion.

Students in the PhD program construct a comprehensive plan of study in three related fields tailored to their interests. These interdisciplinary fields highlight major problems in American studies and in related disciplines, such as art history, English, history, and political science. Students develop research agendas early in their studies through participation in seminars and workshops, often drawing on the rich resources of DC-based archives and research institutes. The department strongly supports the acquisition of foreign language skills.

Visit the program website for additional information.
 

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

This Bulletin covers the degree requirements for students matriculating in the current academic year. Students who matriculated before the current year can find their requirements in the relevant archived Bulletin.

 The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

The requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Program.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
AMST 6100	Scope and Methods in American Studies
And at least two designated research seminars.

Degree candidates must pass a preliminary examination and general examinations in two areas, to be taken by the end of the third year from matriculation. The two general examinations are elected with approval of advisors; one can be devoted to the comparative study of a non-US culture.