The Master of Arts in American Studies program explores the literature, music, history, politics, and culture of America. This degree advances the academic and professional development of individuals who have studied some aspect of American history, language, literature or culture as undergraduates and who are interested in deepening their understanding of American Studies. Emphasis is placed on the role of globalization; diversity and the need for cultural competencies; a knowledge of American history; an understanding of contemporary American society; and an appreciation for American literature, humanities, and the arts.
The program consists of 33-equivalent U.S. credit hours of graduate-level core and elective study. All students are required to complete three credits of equivalent study in each of these four areas: American literature/linguistics/arts/humanities; contemporary American society; diversity in the American experience; American history. This program can be applied toward the master’s degree requirement for teachers who are seeking professional certification in the state of New York. Additional coursework in the area of initial certification may be required.
As part of this program, American students have the option to spend a semester abroad. This unique opportunity combines study in Central Europe with study in the United States. Students who choose this option will gain a unique perspective on their own culture through a semester abroad at the Institute for English and American Studies at the University of Pannonia in Veszprém, Hungary. International students have the opportunity to study issues in American Studies at Nazareth College, in the Upstate New York region.
In the study abroad option, students will take 4 courses in Hungary at the University of Pannonia, and the balance of their course work in the United States at Nazareth College. Because the degree will be granted in the U.S. by Nazareth College, Hungarian coursework will be treated as transfer credit.
Additional information about living arrangements and related support can be found on the American Studies website at: http://www.naz.edu/maas
American Program Director
Dr. Scott Campbell
Office: GAC - 499
Phone: 585-389-2719
scampbe8@naz.edu
Hungarian Program Director
Dr. Szilárd Szentgyörgyi
Office: Egyetem utca 10
Phone: (36) 88/624-378
szentsz@almos.uni-pannon.hu
Entry Requirements
- Completed Online Application
- Completion of the professional statement as described on the application
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Applicant must have completed, or will be completing, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a “B” average in the major field by the start date of the desired term.
- An applicant who does not meet these grade point average expectations must address them in his/her professional statement; please see the Professional Statement section of the admissions application for further information.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
*Official documents in languages other than English must include certified English translation through World Education Services (WES) http://www.wes.org, Educational Credential Evaluations (ECE) http://www.ece.org, or Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A) http://www.jsilny.com.
**Notes on the English Language Proficiency Test
- Each institution administers its own language proficiency test, designed for applicants seeking admission to the master’s degree program in American Studies. The language of instruction and administration throughout the program - i.e., both in Hungary and in the United States - is English.
- Applicants do not need to take the language proficiency test if they have a score of 550 or higher on the paper-based “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL); or a score of 79 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (a minimum of 25 on the speaking section is required); or if they have been put into Band 6.5 or above on the English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Applicants who have TOEFL scores above 400 (paper-based test) or 60 (internet-based test); or who possess the IELTS Band 5 or above can also join the program, but they must take the language proficiency test of the institution where they began their course of study. Students who have not taken either TOEFL or IELTS must also take the language proficiency test. In light of their results on the language proficiency test, they will be streamlined into language courses appropriate to their level. For these language courses, students pay an extra fee.
- At the end of each semester, students may take a language proficiency test, and if they pass, they will not need to attend any further language courses. If they do not, they must continue with their language education in the following semester.
Application Process
Students who intend to begin their course of study at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. may submit their application on-line at grad.naz.edu or send their application materials to this address:
Nazareth College
Office of Graduate Admissions Office
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
U.S.A.
Students who intend to begin their course of study at the University of Pannonia in Veszprém, Hungary should submit their application materials to this address:
Dr. Szilárd Szentgyörgyi
Institute for English and American Studies
University of Pannonia
8201 Veszprém
Egyetem utca, Pf: 158
Hungary
American Studies Courses (6 credits)
All students are required to complete six credits of American Studies Coursework, which includes AMS 500 American Studies Research Methods, and AMS 690 American Studies Capstone Thesis/Project.
Elective Coursework, Standard Program
- Nazareth College Electives, 27 credits
Elective Coursework, Study Abroad Option
- Nazareth College Electives, 15 credits; and
- University of Pannonia Electives, 12 credits
Students are required to complete elective credits at Nazareth College (as identified above), to be determined in consultation with the program director. Electives must be completed in each of the following four areas: 1) American History; 2) Diversity in the American Experience; 3) Literature/Arts/Humanities; and 4) Contemporary American Society.
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