Admissions
American Studies is a selective honors program which typically has more applicants than available space; therefore, admission depends in part on academic distinction and on demonstrated interest in comparative American cultures. First- and second-year students apply for admission to the major early in spring quarter.
Study abroad and upper-level language proficiency are strongly encouraged.
All majors must plan to take one (1) approved course from African American Studies, Asian American Studies, or Latina and Latino Studies; to be taken the same year as AMER_ST 301: Seminar for Majors.
Because of the limited space in its seminars, the American Studies Program is relatively small. There are normally between 30 and 35 sophomore, junior, and senior majors enrolled in any given year.
Admission to the major is through an application process. Students apply early in the spring of their first or sophomore year. In addition to filling out an information form, students submit samples of their writing in Northwestern courses and a few short essay responses to questions. They also sit for an interview with Program faculty. Students are selected based on their academic record in courses relevant to the kind of work they would do in the major, their demonstrated interest in American Studies as a field, and the likelihood that they will contribute to and benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes small classes, active participation and interchange, and intellectual independence. While the number of applicants and openings varies from year to year, there are generally several more applicants than can be accepted.
Applications due April 8th - deadline extended. Check the American Studies 2023-2024 calendar for dates and deadlines.
Questions? Please contact the American Studies Program via Julie Lavin at julie.lavin@northwestern.edu