How to Apply

The graduate program in American Studies is not accepting applications at this time due to restructuring. Please check back after July 1, 2018, for an update on possible future application processes. We apologize for any inconvenience.

To apply for admission to the American Studies master of arts or doctoral program:

1. Fill out the Graduate School’s Request Information form, indicating your intended degree under “Graduate Area of Interest.”
2. Review the Graduate School’s admission page and pages for the American studies M.A. and American studies Ph.D. Note what information is submitted through the online application and what must be submitted to the Graduate School under separate cover.
3. If you have not already done so, create a CollegeNET account. Log in and begin your application. You can save a partially completed application and return to it later.
4. On the application’s fourth screen, you will need to select your intended program of study. Look for American studies under the “Liberal Arts” heading. Once this has been selected, the application requirements specific to American studies will be available on the fifth screen.

There is a $75 application fee, payable to the Graduate School. All applicants must complete all parts of the online application form, including information on whether or not you are seeking a teaching and/or research assistantship.

Graduate School Mailing Addresses

Via USPS	Via FedEx, UPS, or other shipping method
Graduate School Washington State University P.O. Box 641030 Pullman, WA 99164-1030	WSU Graduate School 1815 NE Wilson Rd. French Administration Bldg., Room 324 Pullman, WA 99164

International Students

Please see the international enrollment page for additional information.

Applicants who attended school outside the United States or Canada must submit: Transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, or examination results, along with degreee certificates from all higher education institutions attended outside the United States or Canada. When sending official transcripts from schools located in non-English speaking countries, have each institution submit both the English translation plus an original language record.

TOEFL Scores

TOEFL scores should be sent to the WSU Graduate School (address above) directly from the Educational Testing Service.

Criteria for Evaluating Applications

The American studies program will evaluate your application based on the following, listed in rough order of importance:

1. Writing Sample
   A recent sample of scholarly or critical writing (15–20 pages).
2. A Statement of Purpose
   Describe your intellectual areas of interest, and why you believe the American studies program at WSU is a good place for you to pursue those interests. Also mention any teaching experience you have had.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation
   Request letters on institutional letterhead from persons capable of evaluating your qualifications for graduate study, professional potential, and, if applying for a teaching assistantship, your abilities as a teacher. Once you submit your application, your references will be contacted automatically through the online application system and asked to submit a recommendation form electronically.
4. Academic Transcripts
   Your most recent undergraduate and/or relevant graduate transcripts. If you attended Washington State University, you do not need to submit transcripts from WSU as these are available to the Graduate School.
5. Language Proficiency (for international students) 
   Please have TOEFL scores sent to the WSU Graduate School (address above) directly from the Educational Testing Service.

Neither the GRE nor any other standardized test is a requirement for admission to the American studies program.