American Studies
Do you aspire to a career in global politics, media, business, journalism, or education? Are you interested in all things American, from the U.S. political system to cultural imperialism? Would you like to spend a semester studying in the U.S. or Canada?
The MA track American Studies encourages you to develop your own interests and formulate your own arguments in small-group seminars. You will learn to think, talk, and write critically about all things American, independently analyze any aspect of the culture, and conduct research projects that cut across traditional academic boundaries.
You are challenged to build your own persuasive analysis of whatever it is about the U.S. that interests you and your research topics can be as diverse as the country itself: from the Star Wars franchise and its place in the U.S. and global culture to gerrymandering, and from voter suppression to the professionalization of women's ice hockey - you get to choose your own path. During your studies, you will be guided by our team of leading international researchers in the field of American Studies.
American Studies provides students the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities or do an internship, for example at a small Dutch tech start-up, a national newspaper, or consular offices in the U.S.
Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items) or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.
To determine whether your academic qualifications meet the MA degree programme requirements, we will assess the curriculum and level of your first degree. This evaluation is carried out by the Admissions Office of the School of Arts and Humanities and the Department's Admissions Board (which has the final say about eligibility).
- Reference letter: Names and contact of two referees;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- A sample of academic writing in English: i.e. your thesis or 10-15 pages of other academic coursework preferably related to the programme you are applying to.
Job prospects
The program's interdisciplinary curriculum and specializations gives you ample opportunity to find out what topics interest you most and what areas of employment you wish to explore. Pursuing an internship while in the program is a great way to gain experience in the field prior to seeking full-time employment. As an American Studies graduate, you will gain competency in a broad range of transferable skills which will diversify your career prospects.
Your expertise in the US economic, political, cultural, commercial and social domains, coupled with your highly proficient English communication skills and cultural adaptability through your study abroad experience, will set you apart from other job candidates.
Job examples
- Journalism
Depending on your areas of specialization, a job in journalism is a possibility. Students interested in journalism may consider using their proficiency in US political and cultural affairs to work as correspondents or reporters for international or US media outlets.
- Business
Interested in marketing or international business? Then utilize your knowledge of US economic and commercial policies and practices by assisting companies seeking to expand into the European and US markets.
- Culture and Arts
You might prefer to think about working in the cultural field, for example, a job in a museum or organizing a film festival. The American Studies program offers many possibilities for international contacts, which can be utilized for job options in a range of cultural industries. In addition, your cross-cultural experiences and English skills will also prepare you to work in the travel industry, especially organizing and leading guided trips.
- Public Sector
Your subject-matter expertise in U.S. socio-political affairs and proficient English skills are relevant transferable skills for work in the public sector. Consider working for an NGO or governmental entity, in positions ranging from Media and Communication Coordinators to Information Officers.
- Education
Your highly proficient English skills will also prepare you to work at education institutions, in particular in the area of the internationalization of teaching and learning. A number of graduates also work in high schools and institutions of tertiary education, where they teach primarily English or History. Several American Studies graduates also wish to continue their studies by completing PhD degrees, either in The Netherlands, the UK or the US.
