Applying to the Graduate Program
If you are interested in applying to the M.A. Program, Dr. Abnet will be hosting an information session via Zoom on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM. Please email him for the link.
An applicant to the M.A. in American Studies should hold or be about to receive a bachelor's degree with a major, or its equivalent, in American Studies or in an related discipline, with at least a 3.2 GPA in undergraduate upper division major courses. In addition, the university requires at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA for admission. A candidate whose undergraduate program indicates certain limited subject, grade, or breadth deficiencies may be considered for admission at the discretion of the graduate admissions committee. In such cases, a student may be required to take one or more undergraduate courses to make up deficiencies that will not count toward the master's degree. Correspondence or conversation with the Graduate Program Advisor before application is strongly advisable. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. Applications are accepted for admission in fall semester only. All application material must be submitted by March 1 through Cal State Apply. Applicants will be notified by the American Studies Graduate Advisor regarding their admission to the American Studies Master's Program by April.
Candidates should submit 1) a personal statement of 1-2 pages, addressing your background and related experience in preparation for graduate work in American Studies, and discuss why you are interested in pursuing an M.A. in American Studies; 2) two letters of recommendation, preferably from evaluators who can speak to your academic performance and your readiness to pursue graduate work in American Studies; additional letters may be included but are not required; 3)a writing sample that demonstrates your abilities in cultural and/or historical anlysis; and 4) official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended.
For further information, please contact Professor Dustin Abnet, Graduate Program Advisor, by email at dabnet@fullerton.edu. Applications are now online only. Visit https://www2.calstate.edu/apply for more information.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS: In light of the many and varied disruptions caused by COVID-19, the M.A. admissions committee wants to assure students that the adoption of credit/no credit or similar grading options during this period, whether chosen by the student or implemented by their academic institution, will *not* adversely affect your application to the American Studies graduate program. We fully recognize the impact of the pandemic on the everyday lives of students and will honor the decisions made by individuals and/or their institutions with regards to modified grading procedures. This policy is currently in effect for students applying for (or already accepted for) Fall 2020 and future admissions cycles. Please do not hesitate to contact the M.A. program advisor, Dustin Abnet, with any questions: dabnet@fullerton.edu.
