Our students come from across the country and generally complete the degree in one year while in residence here in Providence. They seek to explore a particular specialization in scholarship, add intellectual depth to their existing professional or academic life, determine if they want to continue on to a Ph.D. program, or to prepare for doctoral work.

American Studies also offers a 5th year M.A. for Brown undergraduates who wish to pursue graduate work. A standard M.A. curriculum is 8 credits. 5th year M.A. students may apply up to two undergraduate courses taken at Brown toward this curriculum. Generally, these classes would count outside of the requirements for a number of courses taught with the "AMST" prefix or above the 2000 level. Like the regular M.A., the 5th year M.A. is designed to be completed in one year.