Admissions Information

Welcome to American Studies! We are excited about your interest in Purdue University. The documents and links below will assist you with most any question you may have concerning the degree in American Studies, Purdue University and graduate school in general. There are also links to the left with program, financial assistance, university, and degree information. Please direct any question you may have to the Graduate Coordinator.

American Studies Graduate Manual

Purdue University Graduate School

Request for Information from Graduate School

Admissions Requirements

1. Department: Application for admission and $60 (domestic)/$75 (international) application fee submitted directly to the Graduate School. 
   
   The Graduate School requires an electronic application. This electronic application can be accessed by going to https://www.purdue.edu/academics/ogsps/prospective/index.php and Apply Now.
   
   Degree or Enrollment Objective: Indicate "Activism, Resistance, and Social Movement Studies," "Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies," "Design and Material Cultural Studies," "Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Studies," "New Media and Popular Cultural Studies," "Science, Technology, and Environment Studies," or "Transnational American Studies" as your area of interest. 
   
   If you will not have the Masters (or its equivalent) when you enter our graduate program, please select "Master's Degree" even if your eventual goal is the Ph.D. If you wish to take course work, but are not immediately interested in a degree program, select "Postbaccalaureate" on the form. If you apply for Postbaccalaureate status, you may eliminate items 4, 5 and 6 below.
   
   
2. Statement of Purpose: In this statement be sure to describe your long range goals and your preparation and background in research and writing. You may wish to describe your prior work experience and cite any published works. (Approximately 500 words.) This document can be submitted with your on-line application. 
   
   
3. Transcripts: You must upload to the online application transcripts and/or academic documents for every institution of higher education you attended.  If a transcript is not in English, you must upload an English translation certified by the college or university which it was issued.  This includes both the transcript and diploma. The uploaded transcripts and/or academic document must be from the official version of the document.  An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution.  All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded to the online application system are considered unofficial.  You will need to provide official transcripts and/or academic records at the request of the graduate program or if you are admitted and choose to enroll. 
   

   These materials must be sent to:

   Graduate Coordinator's Office - American Studies Program
   Purdue University, Stone Hall - Room 333B
   700 Mitch Daniels Blvd
   West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059

4. GRE Scores: M.A. and Ph.D. admission requires the general test only.
   
   
5. TOEFL Scores: Required if your native language is not English. Minimum of 550 required of paper-based tests; 213 for computer-based tests; and the following for internet-based tests: writing - 18, speaking - 18; listening - 14; reading - 19; total - 77. A score of 27 or higher on the speaking section of the TOEFL ibt is required for teaching assistantship consideration. 
   
   
6. Writing Sample: An academic paper written in English, consisting of at least 2,500 words (4-5 pages, no binding).  The sample can be uploaded to ApplyYourself with your application.
   
   
7. Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic ability. There is a form on the electronic application to submit reviewer names.  An email request will be sent to them directly.  Electronic copies may also be sent to the Graduate Coordinator.
   
   
8. Deadline: January 15. Applications for admission must be completed and in our office by January 15. 

Graduate Coordinator's Office, American Studies Program
Purdue University, Stone Hall - Room 333B
700 Mitch Daniels Blvd
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059

We look forward to reviewing your completed application for admission to our program.