A student seeking admission for graduate work at either the masters or doctorate level in American Studies must submit material directly to the American Studies Program. We encourage you to apply electronically through the Graduate School. You should also review and utilize the forms within this web site. If you are unable to apply electronically using this web site and its links, contact the Office of Admissions for a paper application, admis@msu.edu or 517.355.8332.

Apply on-line to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/apply.htm You may submit your application electronically. If you choose to send your application by surface mail, mail it directly to the American Studies Program.

American Studies Program
Michigan State University
18a Morrill Hall
East Lansing, Michigan 48824.
Phone: (517) 432-7145
Fax: (517) 432-7179
Email address: amstudys@msu.edu

Please be sure to complete the entire application and follow all instructions.

In addition to the application for admission (including required transcripts), the American Studies Program requires three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, a CV or Resume, and GRE General test scores (domestic applicants) or TOEFL scores (international applicants). These materials should be forwarded directly to the American Studies Program at the address noted above.

• Each of the three (3) letters of recommendation must be accompanied by the waiver declaration forms, available here or on page 11 of the Grad School application. Each recommendation may be submitted on that form provided, or on letterhead from the referee's institution.
• A statement of purpose (400-700 words) should address your intellectual and academic biography and reasons for seeking the degree. You should write about your academic, vocational, and personal background relevant to graduate study in American Studies. In addition to learning something about your past, it would be helpful to the review committee if you also articulate a considered judgment of future career plans and intellectual aspirations.
• A standard professional CV or Resume.
• One writing sample is required from each applicant. This sample should document your writing and thinking skills, but it does not necessarily have to be an "academic" paper.
• Graduate Record Examination test results for domestic applicants. (Applicants need only take the general test.)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language results for all international applicants.

All required documents should reach the American Studies office by December 31 of each year. Funding packages will be determined during the months of February and March.