Overview

The American Studies programme at Columbia University provides an expansive interdisciplinary framework for examining the diverse experiences and values of people within the United States. Students investigate the nation’s complex identity through the lens of history, literature, politics, and art. This curriculum is designed to enhance understanding of public discourse and the fundamental ideas that shape American society.

The Center for American Studies serves as the intellectual hub for this field, fostering an environment where civic education is paramount. By engaging with various forms of cultural expression, undergraduates learn to navigate the historical and contemporary challenges facing the nation. The programme remains flexible, allowing students to tailor their academic journey to specific interests within the broader field.

Why American Studies at Columbia University?

Columbia University offers a distinctive seminar-based curriculum that prioritises small-group discussion and deep analytical engagement. The programme is supported by a distinguished faculty drawn from numerous departments, including English, History, and Political Science. Students benefit from the university's location in New York City, providing unparalleled access to museums, archives, and cultural institutions that serve as living laboratories for research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of nine courses for the major, combining core introductory work with specialised seminars and interdisciplinary electives. Students must complete a foundational core course alongside specific requirements in American history and ethnic studies. Modules may include:

American Studies
The Supreme Court in American History
Shakespeare in America
American Jewish Literature
Freedom and Citizenship in the United States
Gender History and American Film
American Cultural Criticism
Immigrant New York
The Graphic Novel

Senior Year

Senior Project Colloquium

Careers with American Studies

Graduates of the programme are prepared for a wide range of professional paths that require sophisticated research, writing, and analytical skills. The focus on civic education and public discourse provides a strong foundation for careers in law, journalism, and public policy. Additionally, many alumni pursue roles in education, museum curation, and community service, leveraging their deep understanding of American cultural and social dynamics.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

U.S. Intellectual
History

1865 To the Present
Citizenship

Topics
American Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

American and Australasian studies View 538 other Bachelors in American and Australasian studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for American Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners