B.A./M.A. in American Studies
The B.A./M.A. in American Studies at Trinity College is a distinctive opportunity for superior undergraduate students in American Studies or History to receive a B.A. in American Studies or History and a M.A. in American Studies.
By completing two degrees in five years, students can jump-start their professional development. Graduates of the five-year program are well prepared for professional school (business, journalism, law, etc.), a post-secondary teaching position, a Ph.D. program in American Studies or a similar field; or when combined with the graduate-track in museum studies, work in a museum or in a public history-related field.
Eligibility
Admission to the 5-year program is possible at two junctures in an undergraduate’s career. Truly exceptional candidates may be recruited and admitted as first-year students at Trinity College. Other outstanding students may apply for admission at the end of their second year of undergraduate study. Note that this is a highly selective program, so space is limited. For further details, contact the Faculty Director of the American Studies graduate program.
Admission Materials
- All successful applicants must have achieved and maintained an overall GPA of at least a 3.0 and a GPA in the major (American Studies or History) of at least 3.5;
- Application for Admission;
- Evidence of superior writing and research skills at the end of the sophomore year; and
- At least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member who is willing to direct the required 3-credit thesis.
Please submit all materials via the application in the first or second year of undergraduate study at Trinity College.
Curriculum
The dual B.A./M.A. in American Studies requires the following courses:
For Students Completing the B.A. in American Studies:
Completion of all requirements for the B.A. in American Studies, with the following adjustments:
- Two (2) senior seminars will be taken at the 800-level and be counted toward graduate study; and
- The first semester (research semester) of the 3-credit graduate thesis will count toward the 4-course concentration/track requirement in the major.
For Students Completing the B.A. in History:
Completion of all requirements for the B.A. in History, with the following adjustment:
- Two (2) of the four 300-level seminars students are required to take can be satisfied by 800-level graduate courses in American Studies; and
- Students may apply 1 credit (the research component) of their 3-credit graduate thesis to fulfill the History Department elective.
For the M.A. in American Studies (9 course credits):
Completion of all requirements for the M.A. in American Studies, with the following adjustments:
- AMST 801 does not have to be taken; and
- A three-credit thesis is completed (in lieu of a two-credit one).
