PhD in American Studies in Cambridge United States | Harvard University

Harvard's American Studies program focuses on interdisciplinary exploration of the United States and the Americas, emphasizing historical transformations, the intersection of political-economic systems with cultural expression, and the evolution of identities and subcultures. The program examines critical themes including race, class, gender, sexuality, and imperialism within global contexts. We nurture doctoral candidates who embrace broad thinking, independent research, public engagement, and inventive methodologies. The program prioritizes support for scholars from underrepresented backgrounds and research that serves marginalized communities. Students benefit from Harvard's vast academic resources, working with a core faculty committee of 15-20 members plus approximately 40 affiliated professors from across the university. This structure enables students to collaborate with diverse mentors, forging novel scholarly pathways. The curriculum includes the American Studies Colloquium (two foundational courses), a third-year professional development seminar, and biannual presentations of research proposals and dissertation chapters. A dedicated study space fosters community and collaboration. With our extensive faculty network, we support an exceptionally wide range of research topics, with particular expertise in early American history, African American studies, Latinx studies, Indigenous studies, gender studies, performance studies, carceral studies, visual culture, food studies, environmental history, literary history, music history, religious studies, and economic history. Established in 1937 as History of American Civilization, our program—one of the nation's oldest—continues to adapt to academic developments, cultural shifts, and student innovation. We invite you to discover the pioneering research emerging from our program, past and present, that continues to redefine American Studies.