American Studies PhD

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American studies is home to an interdisciplinary group of faculty and students committed to rigorous, socially engaged scholarship. We take a global and hemispheric approach to the study of the Americas, examining local cultures, nations and regions within their larger geopolitical contexts. Building on our traditional strengths in American Indian studies, critical race theory, feminism, class analysis and community engagement, we encourage scholarly work on history, politics, visual cultures, literary and oral cultures, environmental and agricultural practices, religions, gender, sexuality, kinship systems, geography, and economics.

Required Core (39 credits)

AMS 503SEM - Topics Cultural History:1 Credits: 3
AMS 504SEM - Topics Cultural History:2 Credits: 3
One seminar in fieldwork methods (must be approved by DGS in AMS) - 3 credits

Minimum of ten, intensive seminars - 30 credits

Other coursework may include offerings from ancillary departments that must be approved by the DGS

Electives and Related Required Experience (33 credits)

Electives:

Students work with their academic advisor to to select a course of study relevant to the students’ interest. Students may choose any graduate courses from the following prefixes: AMS, AHI, CL, COL, DMS, ENG, FR, GR, HIS, MUS, PHI, SPA, GGS.

Related Required Experience:

Major concentration: required to design a coherent interdisciplinary program of study in a major area of the cultures of the Americas (done with committee)
Comprehensive Examination - involves written essays on each of three questions developed by the student The exam must cover three of the following four areas:
- Critical analysis, theory, and methodology
- History
- Cultural studies: e.g., literature, media, music, art history, popular culture
- Law and policy
Dissertation

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$75

Program Contact

Jen Mdurvwa
810 Clemens Hall
Amherst, NY 14261
Email: jmdurvwa@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-1340

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.