Masters in Cultural Studies Graduate Programs

Masters in Cultural Studies Programs General Info

Graduate students interested in the historical and cultural trends regarding various ethnic groups might find that a Masters in Cultural Studies​ Program may help cultivate a variety of marketable skills that are important in a variety of potential career paths. In general, a Master of Arts (MA) in Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program where students learn the fundamentals of cultural theory and practice so they can connect areas of culture with art, ethnic communities and society. Within the field of cultural studies, ethnic studies explore theories of race, migration, social policy and historical instances regarding various or specific ethnic groups.

As part of a Master of Cultural Studies program, students often engage in research-based work, and gain skills in different research methods. This may include ethnographic, textual and performance-based styles. Those who are interested in continuing their education in cultural studies with doctoral work may do so in a variety of areas, including the humanities, arts or social sciences. This would build upon and advance their investigation of different aspects of a culture as they pursue research based on personal interest.

What type of Cultural Studies Masters Program is Right For You?

GradSchools.com has easy to use search tools to help you find the Masters program in Cultural Studies that aligns with your goals. Start with a location search to determine where you might study; use the city, state or country tabs then browse results.

You also need to consider what learning format will work for you. Are you interested in attending classes on a college campus masters degree in cultural studies or are you hoping to pursue and online Masters Degree in Cultural Studies? Some programs may also be available in a hybrid masters degree in cultural studies that combines on-campus with online courses, so it is low residency.

Some of your options might include: Community Development Master’s Degree, Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies, MFA Social Documentary Film, Master of Asian Studies, or Master in American Studies or Master of Central and Eastern European Studies. There are a broad area or different area, ethnic and cultural studies programs to choose from.

Master of Arts in Cultural Studies Potential Coursework and Curriculum

Masters Degrees in Cultural Studies explore and examine the ideas and experiences of people in different historical and social circumstances by studying the cultural materials they produce and interact with. Students seeking to enroll should hold a Bachelor’s degree, and may need to provide transcripts of prior coursework, a resume, a writing sample and letters of recommendation. These are questions to ask each school as you request information about the programs you are considering.

Some students may choose a particular type of Ethnic Studies because they are passionate about social justice, interested in history, or wish to learn how to work effectively for racial, gender, economic and environmental justice. What this may mean is that coursework will vary and range, including religious theories, and environmental rhetoric. It is common that students have opportunities for customizing their coursework and research to fit the areas they are drawn to and that they will explore the formations, roles, struggles and changes within and among cultures. The methods of inquiry may include film analysis, archival studies, and oral history. Some of the topics that students in Cultural Studies Masters Programs might explore may include:

• Global culture and media
• Comparative nationalism
• Gender (ie: feminist theory)
• American resistance
• Cultural politics on music
• Education as labor policy

What Types Of Skills Will A Masters in Cultural Studies Provide?

As a Liberal Arts Degree, a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies may not prepare students for one exact career, but rather impart transferable skills for future careers in different areas. For instance:

• Strong written and oral communication skills,
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Knowledge about human behavior and institutions
• Cultural competency
• The ability to work effectively with diverse populations,
• The capacity to analyze racial impacts of law and public policy,
• Excellent research skills
• Team-building and group-centered leadership skills.

Potential Career Trends For Masters in Cultural Studies Graduates

Graduates holding a masters in cultural studies might find a career in a variety of potential fields, cultural, social, artistic, educations, or advocacy. This will largely depend on the individual. Some of these paths might include:

• Producing documentary films
• Museum Worker
• Writing
• Policy-making
• Becoming a sociologist
• Social Science Research assistant
• Social Work
• Area, Ethnic and Cultural Studies Postsecondary teacher

Ready to Pursue a Masters Degree in Cultural Studies

For students who are drawn to studying a particular geographic area, an ethnicity, or culture, enrolling in a Cultural Studies Masters Program may lead to a variety of potentially rewarding and fascinating careers. Why not start your search for the program that aligns with your aspirations using the GradSchools.com search tools!

^{Sources: bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors | bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm | bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm | bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm | bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm | bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm | bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm | http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-4061.00}

GradSchools.com offers 229 Masters in Cultural Studies