Admissions Checklist

Welcome to American Studies! We are excited about your interest in Purdue University. The documents and links below will assist you with most any question you may have concerning the degree in American Studies, Purdue University and graduate school in general.

Please direct any question you may have to the Graduate Coordinator. 

Graduate Coordinator's Office, American Studies Program
Purdue University, Stone Hall - Room 333B
700 Mitch Daniels Blvd
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059

Application Requirements

  1. Department: Application for admission and $60 (domestic)/$75 (international) application fee submitted directly to the Graduate School. 

    The Graduate School requires an electronic application. This electronic application can be accessed by going to https://gradapply.purdue.edu/apply/.

    Degree or Enrollment Objective: Please indicate your area of interest.

    If you will not have the Masters (or its equivalent) when you enter our graduate program, please select "Master's Degree" even if your eventual goal is the Ph.D. If you wish to take course work, but are not immediately interested in a degree program, select "Postbaccalaureate" on the form. If you apply for Postbaccalaureate status, you may eliminate items 4, 5 and 6 below.

    • Master's Degree Program Requirements

      • Cumulative Grade Point Average from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree: 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0)

    • Doctoral Degree Program Requirements

      • Cumulative Grade Point Average from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree: 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0) and Master's Degree Completion

  2. Academic Statement of Purpose: In this statement be sure to describe your long range goals and your preparation and background in research and writing. You may wish to describe your prior work experience and cite any published works. (Approximately 500 words.) This document can be submitted with your on-line application. 

  3. Personal History Statement: For this statement, describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in your graduate studies in addition to how those experiences have prepared your to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences are supported, respected, and valued. 

  4. Transcripts: You must upload to the online application transcripts and/or academic documents for every institution of higher education you attended.  If a transcript is not in English, you must upload an English translation certified by the college or university which it was issued.  This includes both the transcript and diploma. The uploaded transcripts and/or academic document must be from the official version of the document.  An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution.  All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded to the online application system are considered unofficial.

    You will need to provide official transcripts and/or academic records at the request of the graduate program or if you are admitted and choose to enroll. 

    Official Final Transcripts can be submitted:

    A. Electronically FROM the university to gradadm@purdue.edu
    OR
    B. Using Parchment, then Purdue University West Lafayette Graduate Office

  5. GRE Scores: M.A. and Ph.D. admission requires the general test only.

  6. English Proficiency Requirements: International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:
    • TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
    • IELTS - International English Language Testing System
    • Duolingo English Test
    • English Course - Intensive English Language Programs
    • Waiver - Citizen of or Degree from English Speaking Country
    • Waiver - Current Purdue University Student
  7. Writing Sample: An academic paper written in English, consisting of at least 2,500 words (4-5 pages, no binding).  The sample can be uploaded to ApplyYourself with your application.
  8. Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  9. Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic ability. There is a form on the electronic application to submit reviewer names.  An email request will be sent to them directly.  Electronic copies may also be sent to the Graduate Coordinator.

  10. Deadline: January 10. Applications for admission must be completed and in our office by January 10. 

We look forward to reviewing your completed application for admission to our program.