American Studies at Northeastern State University offers students an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in a subject-oriented degree program. For decades educational reformers have emphasized the need to stress subject matter over educational methodology. American Studies allows public school teachers in social studies and language arts to earn a master of arts in fields that will broaden their understanding of the subjects they teach. The program may also serve as a springboard for graduate students planning to pursue Ph.D. programs in several disciplines in the social sciences and humanities.
Graduates of the program have found the degree useful in obtaining employment in tribal government, federal agencies, and the private sector. The program is rigorous academically and challenging intellectually. Graduates take considerable pride in the degree and stress the quality of instruction they experienced in the program.
Course of Study
The Master of Art in American Studies consists of 32 hours of graduate study, 15 of which are specified. A seminar in American Studies should be taken early in the program. Students are required to take at least one course in American history, one in American literature, a second course in American Studies, and a research seminar. The remaining hours are electives or a combination of electives and thesis or internship.
Before a student can enroll in her/his first American Studies class, he/she must have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have completed a minimum of 18 undergraduate semester hours with course grades of “C” or better in subjects which focus predominantly on some aspect of the United States, or in subjects foundational to the study of the American experience. A list of specific NSU courses that may be counted to satisfy this requirement is available from the College of Liberal Arts. Students will receive no credit for course work begun before these prerequisites have been completed.
Additional details about American Studies at NSU:
For more information about the American Studies program write or call:
Dr. Melissa Strong
Coordinator of American Studies Program
Department of Languages & Literature
Northeastern State University
609 N. Grand Avenue
Tahlequah, OK 74464-2302
Phone: 918-444-3613
Study America in a broadly-based program drawn from the following disciplines:
- Art
- Anthropology
- Criminal Justice
- Communication
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Geography
- History
- Humanities
- Political Science
- Sociology
Comments of students and graduates about the program:
- "The most challenging of the Masters programs."
- "I found the instruction very professional."
- "I chose the American Studies Program for its flexibility."
- "The faculty is strong and dedicated."
Excerpts from the report of Willard B. Gatewood, Alumni Distinguished Professor of History, University of Arkansas, who evaluated the program in 1992:
- "A superb faculty--individuals who are well-trained, abreast of developments in their fields, and genuinely concerned about their students."
- "Nowhere have I heard such uniformly complimentary remarks about the quality of the faculty from the students."
- "Students, to a person, characterized the educational experience at Northeastern as excellent. In fact, they appeared to be certain that it was superior to what they would have received at Oklahoma's two comprehensive universities."
All courses taught by an outstanding faculty with doctorates from:
- University of Arkansas
- University of California, Riverside
- University of Denver
- Emory University
- Indiana University
- Louisiana State University
- Ohio University
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Oklahoma
- Stanford University
- Syracuse University
- University of Tennessee
- Texas Technological University
- University of Tulsa
Graduate Assistantships
American Studies
Northeastern State University
Graduate assistantships may be available in the departments supporting the American Studies program. If you are interested in applying, you should contact the chair of the department to see if there is an open position for which you are qualified. The departments listed below have employed American Studies students in the past.
Languages and Literature
Dr. Les Hannah
Phone: (918) 444-3623
E-mail: hannahl@nsuok.edu
Social Sciences
Pamela Fly
The Graduate College provides more information regarding the qualifications necessary for a graduate assistantship and the procedures involved (including a link to an application form)
Links Useful in Researching and Writing a Seminar Paper