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The American Studies Ph.D. program prepares students to develop into well-informed, active scholars and public intellectuals. Brown University's Department of American Studies explores the interdisciplinary examination of America's varied cultures, communities, and lived experiences. As one of the country's earliest established American Studies programs, its graduate scholars and professors form a dynamic academic collective dedicated to pioneering fresh research approaches, cross-disciplinary teaching, and connecting with diverse populations. The doctoral curriculum offers comprehensive interdisciplinary methodology training while encouraging students to pursue their unique academic passions. Within departmental frameworks, graduate candidates craft personalized study plans in collaboration with faculty across multiple disciplines. Recent research topics have spanned African American history, Asian American and Latino cultural studies, youth development, public history, global pop culture, cinema, material culture studies, religious studies, and gender/sexuality history. Enrollees may opt to earn either an A.M. in American Studies or Public Humanities en route to their doctorate.
Graduates of non-U.S. colleges and universities who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the Brown University Graduate School.
Regarding TOEFL, the recommended minimum score for admission consideration is 577 on the paper-based test and 90 on the Internet-based test. For IELTS, the recommended minimum overall band score is 7.