American Studies vs. American History

[geigwm6]

This may seem like a trivial question, but what is the difference between American Studies and American History, because some schools talk about their overlapping.

Thank you.

[futurePhD]

American Studies is a broader, interdisciplinary field in the humanities. FYI, however, the job market for someone with a PhD in American studies is far worse than for someone with a doctorate in American History (not that the job market for historians is great either). Make sure you get some sound advice if you are considering pursuing a PhD in American Studies.

[geigwm6]

Can someone transition from a MA in American Studies to a PhD in History America, is this common? My final goal is definitely a PhD in History--not American studies. I'm just becoming more and more concerned that my GPA will not cut it for a decent program (possibly as bad as a 3.1 cum/3.5 history albeit at a tough school), so I'm trying to figure out what to do.

[StrangeLight]

it's possible to transition, but the MA in american history will probably carry more weight than an MA in american studies.

at one point i was considering enrolling in a latin american studies MA and then applying for a latin american history PhD and i was advised to do my masters level work in history instead. it's definitely not unheard of to make the transition from ___ studies to ___ history, though.

[GoodGuy]

American Studies is a broader, interdisciplinary field in the humanities. FYI, however, the job market for someone with a PhD in American studies is far worse than for someone with a doctorate in American History (not that the job market for historians is great either). Make sure you get some sound advice if you are considering pursuing a PhD in American Studies.

Just curious: what sorta advice would you impart or expect to be imparted? As someone about to start a PhD in American Studies, I'm wondering what the discourse is around this choice. Thanks!

[lotf629]

GoodGuy, check out the Chronicle of Higher Education fora on this topic: http://chronicle.com/forums/ and then search "American Studies."

See especially this thread: http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/t ... 235.0.html

[futurePhD]

My comment was directed more towards someone who is thinking about applying to American Studies programs vs. American History programs. My advice would be to talk to as many Professors/Advisors as possible to make sure this is the best route.

I assume you have already done this since you are getting ready to start a program. Moreover, it looks like you are going to one of the top programs, which is probably a must if you want to be a competitive job candidate with an American Studies PhD. I second the previous poster's suggestion to look at the archives over at the chronicle, you will find a lot of great information.

[misterpat]

Just curious: what sorta advice would you impart or expect to be imparted? As someone about to start a PhD in American Studies, I'm wondering what the discourse is around this choice. Thanks!

You're doing AS at Harvard, so my guess is that you will be fine.

But I would suggest this article: http://www.personal.ceu.hu/students/06/ ... ies%20.pdf