M.A. in the Study of the Americas
The Division of Interdisciplinary Studies at the City College Center for Worker Education (CWE) has launched a new Master’s Program in the Study of the Americas. Like the CWE undergraduate program, the M.A. in the Study of the Americas is an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree. The focus of the program is timely and joins an emerging field of study, that among its concerns, breaks apart notions about what the "Americas" are, how they are connected through time, which areas continue to be marginalized and why.
Program admission is available for both fall and spring terms. Candidates apply via the CCNY Graduate Admissions Office http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/admissions/grad/index.cfm. Please check their website for up to date application deadlines.
MA Handbook (PDF- click to download)
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Study of the Americas?
The Study of the Americas is a new and growing area of scholarship. The program seeks to address new questions and concepts about the Americas as it focuses on topics such as: racial and ethnic identities, migration and immigration, popular culture, politics, gender relations, and human rights. Our chief organizing questions move beyond a focus on identity politics to examine the historical, political economic and socio-cultural formations of the Americas. Examining fields of power, and the themes and issues that emerge from this inquiry guide our program.
Who is this program for?
This program is intended to provide working adults with a meaningful graduate-level program. The liberal arts program meets the needs of students who are
interested in international and global studies or interdisciplinary studies. It is also a strong fit for professionals in the corporate and non-profit sector who work with diverse populations in the United States or who do business across the Americas. Secondary education teachers in search of certificate programs in a content area or in need of graduate credits will also benefit from this program. While the M.A. in the Americas does not lead to certification, it can be used by those with provisional certification to fulfill the NYS requirements for obtaining permanent certification or certification in an additional area.
How many credits does the program require?
The M.A. in the Study of the Americas is a 30-credit graduate program.
Are courses offered on a part-time as well as full time basis? What about summer sessions?
Students can take courses on a full or part-time basis. Currently, courses are not offered in the summer. However, students may take up to nine graduate credits outside of the department during their course of study.
What is the program like and what are the course offerings?
The M.A. in The Study of the Americas program consists of the following two options:
- Thesis/Project Option consisting of four required Foundation courses, five electives, and a thesis project.
- Non-Thesis Option consisting of four required Foundation courses, five electives, and a capstone course.
Students will need to meet a foreign language reading proficiency requirement in either French, Spanish, or Portuguese. This requirement may be fulfilled by either passing an exam or completing a language proficiency course with the passing grade of C or above.
Required Foundation 3-credit courses:
- Inventing the Americas
- Society and Culture of the Americas from the Nineteenth to the Twenty First Centuries
- Geopolitics and Diplomacy Across the Americas
- Research Methodology
Sample Elective 3-credit courses:
- Comparative Slaveries of the Americas
- Literature of the British West Indies
- Religion in the Americas
- Latin American Writers in Translation (to English)
- Crossing Borders in the 21st Century
- Race and Gender in the Americas
- Childhood in the Americas
- Women's Revolutionary Fiction of the Americas
- Literature of Migration
- The Global Citizen
- Weimar in America
- Labor Movements in the Americas
- Special Topics Course
Who are the faculty?
The Department of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences has its own designated full-time faculty. This faculty, consisting of members from various disciplines has a particular expertise in the Study of the Americas. Faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the uptown campus, and other expert professionals will also be invited to teach courses in their areas of specialization.
Current full-time faculty members teaching in the program include:
Susanna Schaller
Irina Carlota (Lotti) Silber
Martin Woessner
What makes this program unique?
One of the historical missions of The City College of New York has been to serve the educational needs of the working people of the city. The college's Division of Interdisciplinary Studies represents the heart of this mission, and our new MA program enhances our ability to serve this population more fully and successfully.
While nationally there are a few Master's programs explicitly designed for the adult learner, few engage a reconceptualization of the Americas that can go beyond more traditional area studies approaches. This is our program's strength and will position students well who wish to pursue further degrees, enter professional schools or continue advancing their careers in the non-profit or corporate sector.
How will I be able to use this degree?
Recent data shows that a liberal arts education prepares students well for successful careers. Today, employers tend to focus on finding graduates and employees with the right skills rather than the right major. Given an increasingly competitive job market, many employers now require a graduate degree. Our M.A in the Study of the Americas is intended to produce graduates with expansive and agile minds, able to make connections and communicate these effectively across culturally diverse spheres. This knowledge is imperative in today's business environment, as career paths are increasingly defined by shifts and flexibility rather than specialized skill sets.
How much is tuition and what fees are required?
Please visit the CCNY Admissions website for the most recent schedule and clear breakdown of tuition and fees: http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/admissions/tuition-fees-detail-popup.cfm
Resident Student Tuition: As of spring 2011, tuition for New York state residents is $325 per graduate credit. Full-time students pay a total of $3,865 per semester.
Non-Resident Student Tuition: As of spring 2011, tuition for out-of-state and international students is $605 per graduate credit.
Fees: In order to apply to the program students pay a one-time $125 Application Fee. Each semester there is 1) a $15.35 Consolidated Services Fee that covers administrative services, and 2) a Technology Fee ($50 for part-time and $100 for full-time students).
What kinds of financial aid are available?
Graduate students may be eligible for Federal and State financial aid. The CCNY Admissions website provides detailed guidelines and links for both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance (TAP) application. Visit the Office of Admissions information on Financial Aid.
How do I apply?
In order to apply to the MA Program in the Study of the Americas simply visit the City College of New York Graduate Admissions website and complete the online application.
Please follow the online instructions and read through the step-by-step guidelines provided by the Graduate Admissions Office. Here you will find updated deadline information and special announcements. As noted in the application instructions, you will need to upload, send, and request the following additional material:
- A brief personal statement describing your interest in our course of study
- Official Undergraduate Transcript
- Two reference letters from former college professors. If these are unavailable, the program will accept letters of recommendation from professionals able to assess your academic potential.
What if I have more questions?
If you need more information, you may email Dr. Irina Carlota Silber, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies ma.americas@ccny.cuny.edu or phone (212) 825-0210.
