Program History

Founded upon the ideas of a diverse academic education, Michigan State University's American Studies Program attracts American and international students from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds. Starting in 1967, the program has developed into an important part of MSU's academic institution. Besides providing open access to its outstanding faculty, MSU provides other attractions to individuals interested in studying American culture. The MSU libraries contain more than four million volumes as well as the Russel B. Nye Popular Cultural Collection and the National Voice Library. The university's proximity to the state capital provides access to public and private organizations that offer additional academic opportunities.

We encourage our students to combine disciplines by drawing upon the resources of the entire university and using methods from literary, historical, and cultural studies, as well as sociology and political science. Because of the program's flexibility, you may pursue your intellectual interests in areas as diverse as history, women's studies, ethnomusicology, film studies, literature, ethnic studies, material culture, television, and visual arts.

With a pool of graduate students of diverse national backgrounds, we encourage studies of American culture that stretch beyond the geographic borders of the United States. Our students have the opportunity to participate in innovative exchanges with other American Studies programs around the world. We also encourage students to think about their academic pursuits in the context of their communities, forging links between what they do in the classroom or library and what is going on beyond the campus. Our students and graduates have had an exceptional record in winning college and university-wide fellowships, as well as having very strong results in securing job placements upon leaving MSU.