Graduate Program Admissions Requirements

Deadline for Completed Application: January 1st

Purdue University Requires ALL prospective graduate students to

Apply Online

Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Website

Prospective Graduate Students

For all applicants:

• Create an Application Account to start your application.

• Choose up to 2 campuses and/or graduate majors in priority order.

• Submit results of required tests (TOEFL). American Studies Graduate Program minimums listed below.
  

• Review your current/previous academic institution’s country for a listing of required admission documents.

• Prepare any additional documents based on your desired graduate program, including documentation for a 2nd choice graduate program.

• Pay the Nonrefundable Application Fee (not required for non-degree or teacher license applicants)
  
  • Domestic Applicants: $60.00
  • International Applicants: $75.00

American Studies / School of Interdisciplinary Studies Requirements:

Degree or Enrollment Objective:

Indicate one of the following:

• 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
• Transnational American Studies

For prospective students without a Master's Degree or equivalent upon program entry:

Select "Master's Degree" even if the eventual goal is Ph.D.

If you wish to take course work but are not immediately interested in a degree program, select "Postbaccalaureate" on form. When applying for Postbaccalaureate, eliminate the following:

• TOEFL Scores
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation

Statement of Purpose:

This document should be approximately 500 words and submitted with your online application. For your Statement of Purpose, describe:

• Long range goals
• Preparation for program
• Background in research and writing

You may wish to describe prior work experience and/or cite published works.

Transcripts:

Please refer to the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Submitting Transcripts.

TOEFL Scores:

Minimums Below:

• Paper-based Testing: 550
• Computer-based Testing: 213
• Internet-based Testing:
  • Writing - 18
  • Speaking - 18
  • Listening - 14
  • Reading - 19
  • Total Score: 69
• For Teaching Assistantship:
  • Writing - 18
  • Speaking - 27
  • Listening - 14
  • Reading - 19
  • Total Score: 78

Writing Sample:

An academic paper written in English, consisting of at least 2,500 words. Please submit with your online application.

Letters of Recommendation:

Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with applicant's academic ability. For additional information, refer to the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars: Recommendation Letters.

The preferred submissions method is online with application.

Deadline for Completed Applications: January 1st