MA in American Studies
The Master in American Studies at Heidelberg University is a distinguished interdisciplinary program that offers exemplary teaching and provides ambitious graduate students from around the world with in-depth knowledge about the United States of America. The program’s curriculum features five main disciplines: geography, history, literary and cultural studies, political science/economics, and religious history. Each discipline puts a particular focus on the culture and society of the United States. The unique design of the program allows students to configure their course of study individually. Study plans may concentrate on disciplines from the humanities or the social sciences or combine both.
Program Structure
Students of the American Studies master program specialize in two of the five main disciplines (main modules). The flexibility module allows them to broaden the scope of their studies by choosing additional classes and lectures from the remaining three other disciplines. Students also explore fields beyond American Studies: the cross-cutting module allows students to take classes outside of the spectrum of disciplines featured at the HCA. In the mobility window they have the opportunity to work in professional areas relating to the curiculum (internship). While individual study plans differ from one another, students also take joint classes, including two interdisciplinary colloquia, a methodology course, and a class designed to improve students’ academic writing skills. Although not an obligatory part of the study program, students are encouraged to consider studying abroad after their second semester.
Careers
Graduates of the master program have acquired the capacity for independent academic work and possess an extensive knowledge of the culture, history, and society of one of the most influential cultures in the world. They can employ the tools of academia, their relevant expertise, different methodological approaches, and the practical skills acquired during their studies for tasks in the following fields:
- Foreign service and international organizations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Media and public relations
- Publishing
- Cultural institutions
- Cultural exchange
- Politics and policy consultation
- Business and consulting
- City, regional, or state planning
- Market and location analysis, project development
- Adult and continuing education
- Universities and independent academic institutions
The master in American Studies also qualifies graduates for doctoral programs in Germany and abroad in American Studies and in most of the individual disciplines included in the program.
Admission
Admission is competitive. Most candidates hold previous degrees in American Studies and/or from academic fields represented in the program. The program admits up to 20 students annually.
You are expected to hold an above-average BA degree in American Studies, English Studies, geography, history, political science, religious studies/history, theology/church history, or a related field. The degree program should have awarded 180 European credit points (CP) or have had a length of at least three years. Furthermore, you need to provide the following documents:
- Application form (only for international students)
- CV
- University degree certificates & transcripts (certified copies)
- University entrance qualification (certified copy)
- Letter of motivation (app. 600 words)
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Proof of proficiency in English, furnished by either
- TOEFL iBT: 90 points and at least 22 points in each subcategory
- IELTS: 7.0 points and at least 6.5 points in each subcategory
- Cambridge Proficiency Test: at least 185 points equivalent to C1/proficient user
- a high school diploma or a degree from an institution of higher education in an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, UK, USA).
Application deadline:
- International students: September 30
- German students: September 30
Heidelberg University opens its applications platform for the fall/winter term on April 1. While the formal admission deadline for all students is September 30, we strongly recommend that non-German students apply by May 31. This will allow for sufficient time to work out visa and housing issues. Of course, it is still possible to apply between May 31 and September 30. However, administrative processes outside of the university’s purview (such as the issuance of visas, etc.) often prolongate admission procedures and may impede a frictionless start into the semester.
Scholarships
The HCA currently offers scholarships for outstanding international masters students. A scholarship includes a monthly stipend of 720 EUR for a maximum of 24 months and cover the tuition fees for non-EU students for a maximum of 4 semesters if applicable. If you want to apply for an HCA Scholarship, please send an application email to mas@hca.uni-heidelberg.de by May 31. Please include the following documents attached as PDF files:
- A motivation letter indicating your interest and providing a brief explanation of why you should receive the scholarship
- Copies of relevant transcripts
- A CV
- A reference letter by your academic supervisor
