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Graduate Courses of Study

The Department of American Civilization currently offers the following graduate degrees:

  • Master of Arts in American Civilization
  • Master of Arts in Public Humanities
  • Doctor of Philosophy in American Civilization

Click on the titles of the programs for more information.

M.A. in American Civilization

Under special circumstances, students may seek a terminal M.A. degree in American Civilization. Candidates spend one academic year in residence and complete eight courses. This program is most appropriate for international students. All students who seek admission to the terminal MA program in American Civilization must first communicate with the Director of Graduate Studies. Most students seeking an MA degree should apply to the MA in Public Humanities.

M.A. in Public Humanities

Candidates for the M.A. in public humanities undertake a two-year program to gain the knowledge and skills needed for jobs in museums, historical societies, state and federal humanities and cultural resource agencies, and historic preservation and community cultural development organizations. Drawing on the resources across Brown University and at the Rhode Island School of Design, the program addresses a diverse range of organizations, media, and subject matter, combining courses in humanities disciplines with hands-on learning. Students are required to take Introduction to Public Humanities; Methods in Public Humanities; and one graduate-level seminar in American Civilization, along with nine electives. In addition, all students undertake two practicums, generally one in the summer between their first and second year, and a second during the second year of coursework.

Ph.D. in American Civilization

Students in the PhD program take ten courses; prepare and take preliminary exams in four fields which they design themselves; propose a dissertation topic; and write a dissertation.  Students receive either an MA in American Civilization (after the completion of eight courses) or the MA in Public Humanities (after an additional two courses, a summer practicum, and a preliminary exam field in Public Humanities) on their way to the PhD.  Students serve as teaching assistants and, in addition, often get the opportunity to teach their own classes.  Courses and advisors (or dissertation directors) can be found in any department within Brown .