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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).​​