• Passion for US-American culture
• Willingness to work on complex issues
• Advanced methodological knowledge in literature, cultural studies, and history
• Very good active and passive command of English, enabling you to read and write longer academic papers (level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

The subject-specific entrance requirements for the master’s program American Studies include a bachelor’s degree in American Studies, a related field, or an equivalent degree from a higher education institution. Of these, at least 10 credit points (CP) must have been completed in courses with a clear focus on North America in the fields of literature, culture, humanities, or social sciences. Achievements that were not completed during your
bachelor’s program may also be considered.

If you have fewer than 10 credits in courses related to North America at the time of application or enrollment, you may be admitted on condition that you complete courses from Module 0 “Preparatory Course American Studies” or comparable courses from the bachelor’s program in American Studies by the end of your first year of study.

Proof of English language proficiency at level C1. The degree certificate in an English, English Studies, or American Studies Bachelor’s degree program is also accepted as proof.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

Information on the examination regulations.

As a part of the master’s programs with a selectable focus area, you can pursue the master’s degree as

• a single-subject master’s degree, i.e., a master’s subject + master’s subject specialization,
• a master’s subject in combination with a (different) supplementary subject,
• a master’s subject with a supplementary qualification (certificate programs), or
• a supplementary subject (as part of another major, with or without previous knowledge).

The American Studies master’s degree program is comprised of the following three components, which can be completed as presented here:

1st semester:

• Theories and Methodologies of Literary and Cultural Studies
• Literature and Media
• History and Society

The first semester of the program will expand upon what you learned during your bachelor’s degree, including the fundamentals of methodological approaches and academic writing skills. You will also gain thematic insights into Transnational American Studies.

2nd semester:

• Advanced Literature, History, and Media Studies AND
• Project Workshop Current Issues in Transnational American Studies OR
• Modules from the supplementary subject or certificate program

Building upon the fundamentals acquired in the first semester, you will be able to pursue your own research interests in the second semester. You will also apply and contribute your skills in interdisciplinary courses and within professional contexts. In the second semester, you decide which of the three profiles you would like to pursue.

3rd semester:

• Advanced Research and Individual Specialization in American Studies AND
• Professional Communication and Internship or Study Abroad OR
• Modules from the supplementary subject or certificate program

The third semester serves to support your development both within your specific area of specialization as well as in regards to your final research project.

4th semester:

• Master’s thesis
• Final oral examination

You will conclude your master’s degree with a written final thesis, followed by a final oral examination.

You can find a detailed description (in German) of the individual components of the program of study in the module catalog.

Stay abroad

We highly recommend that you spend at least three months studying abroad in an English-speaking country. Thanks to our direct exchange with partner universities in the US and Canada we are able to offer a number of spots for students of American Studies. It is, of course, also possible to receive a spot through the ERASMUS program. You can also take part in Summer School or Teaching Assistantship programs in the US.

Such stays abroad can be counted towards your “Independent Studies.”

Of course, you can also take advantage of the other options offered by JGU when planning your stay abroad. Find out more about opportunities to stay abroad.

Internships

We recommend completing an internship as a means of career preparation. You may freely choose where you complete your internship.

Your internship can also be counted towards your “Independent Studies” credits in the specialization module.

As a graduate of the degree program, you will be optimally prepared for a number of career paths in international organizations, multinational companies, NGOs, government agencies, media companies, cultural institutions, and other areas that require a strong knowledge of global social, political, and economic contexts and skills in intercultural and scientific communication.

During your studies, you will also have the opportunity to regularly get involved in networking events and engage in discourse with alumni. These events are a great way to learn about the wide variety of careers and opportunities available to specialists in American Studies.

Possible professional fields for graduates of the American Studies master’s degree program include:

• Cultural and media organizations, press, PR, and communication service providers
• Careers in research
• Science management
• Administrative bodies and government agencies, such as consulates
• Diplomatic service
• Human resources departments in international companies
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.