MA in American Studies

Fully online pathway starting Fall 2026

Click here to view our 2026-2027 course descriptions

Master of Arts in American Studies

More than you ever imagined!

Study the Americas: North, Central, and South America! The Master of Arts in American Studies (MAST) is a multidisciplinary program and includes coursework from history, political science, literature, economics, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and more. This in-depth study of American communities – past and present and inhabiting all the Americas – challenges you to sharpen skills such as flexibility of thought, critical evaluation and factual analysis, communication and organization, clear and logical thinking, and cultural awareness: essential skills that are in high demand in today’s workplace.

Careers Rooted in American Studies

As an American Studies graduate, you enter the workforce able to leverage powerful communication, analytical, negotiating, organizational and research skills in a variety of fields such as education, museum management/curation, nonprofit management, human relations, politics/policy development, and community engagement. Additionally, if you are a middle or high school teacher of English, History, or Social Studies, you can earn an in-field upgrade upon completing the degree. Some MAST graduates pursue Ph.D. programs in fields such as Afro-American Studies, Sociology, or Anthropology. While in the MAST program, you will learn to view the United States and the Americas within larger world systems and understand how American cultures have been continually reshaped by the movement of people, commerce, and ideas.

MAST Virtual Info Session

Learn how MAST can help you advance your career! Complete your RSVP by clicking the Virtual Meeting Link for your preferred date. Questions? Please contact mast@kennesaw.edu. All sessions meet on Microsoft Teams.

December 3 at 5:00pm

January 18 at 12:00pm

February 17 at 5:00pm

Learn from Expert Faculty

Faculty from the Interdisciplinary Studies Department’s 10 programs, including American Studies, Black Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Latin American and Latinx Studies, Leadership Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Peace Studies, Religious Studies, and Science and Technology Studies offer courses in the MAST program.

You will benefit from smaller class sizes and one-on-one mentoring, and you’ll excel with capstone project advising from MAST program faculty and faculty in affiliate programs, including Art History, English, Film, History, Sociology & Criminal Justice, and Theatre & Performance Studies.

MAST Double Owl Pathways

Accelerate Your Progress Toward a Master's Degree by Combining Your Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

To learn more about KSU's Double Owl Program, talk to your advisor or email us at mast@kennesaw.edu.

A Double Owl Pathway allows students to accelerate their progress toward a master's degree by taking graduate-level coursework during the final year of their undergraduate studies. Students save time and money by earning a master's degree in one year instead of two and enter the workforce with a more advanced complement of knowledge and skills.

Testimonials

During my time as a master's student in American Studies, I was able to personalize my course of study to better fit my professional desires in Education.

Anna Tussey

My education in the MAST program prepared me in unpredictable ways for my career. Through workshops with incredibly supportive classmates, and professors who were nothing short of champions, I was challenged to discover a voice I didn't know I had.

Sean Watkins

The MAST program at Kennesaw State was a great way to do in-depth graduate study on a variety of topics in American culture and history. The interdisciplinary nature allowed me to take classes toward both my professional goals and personal interests. Through MAST, I was also able to participate in a study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico for 2 weeks during the summer — it was an amazing opportunity I will never forget.

Jacqueline Winters-Allen

The MA in American Studies opened doors for me. Before this program, I did not know what I wanted to do professionally other than find a way to earn a living writing. I especially did not envision a career in academia, because I wasn't a particularly involved undergraduate. I stayed quiet, completed my work, and hurried off campus as quickly as I could once class was over. My experience in graduate school was completely different. Though the program was rigorous, I learned I enjoyed the challenge. I learned that I liked unpacking difficult theoretical concepts and talking about them with others. I learned that I could do something with my passion for social justice.I loved the flexibility of the program. The students I took classes with all came from different academic backgrounds. I was an English undergrad, but I learned with students with degrees in Theatre and Performance Studies, History, Education, Sociology, Anthropology, and Business. The faculty I studied under are brilliant, dedicated, and passionate about helping students succeed. Since I have graduated, I continue to collaborate with some of my professors from American Studies for writing projects, conference presentations, scholarly service work, and activism.

Ashley McFarland

The MAST program changed the way that I see the world; it opened my mind to the many varied perspectives of everyone around me and helped me take a critical view of everyday experiences. This practice has helped me to be successful in my career as an educational developer where I work with faculty and students from different backgrounds, motivations, and views of the world. The high expectations set by my professors and faculty mentors in the program showed me what I was capable of accomplishing.

Mandy McGrew