American Studies

"What, then, is the American, this new man?" The question that Crèvecoeur famously asked in 1782 still resonates today. How do Americans see themselves and their nation in the twenty-first century? How does the rest of the world view the U.S.A.? How did the assassination of JFK change the future of the American nation? Why do 75% of all adult Kentuckians claim to have seen an angel? And what can Desperate Housewives tell us about the dynamics of American culture?

General information

The University of Groningen is the only university in The Netherlands to offer a Bachelor degree in American Studies. All courses are designed and developed specifically for American Studies. This has resulted in a program that is transparent, coherent and exciting. It was categorized as “Excellent” in the recent national quality assurance exercise. What distinguishes our degree from all other similar programs is its interdisciplinary nature: rather than approaching the field from one or two perspectives, traditionally history and literature, in Groningen students will explore “America” from the perspectives of its popular culture, history, language, literature, constitution, ethnicity and religion, drawing on and interrelating a range of disciplinary models.

In addition to acquiring knowledge about the specific field of study, students acquire a range of transferable skills that will stand them in good stead whatever direction their lives take them after university. Students will develop competence in analysis and argument; presentation and communication skills, and high levels of spoken and written English.

Career prospects

As an American Studies graduate, you have a broad range of career possibilities. American Studies students have expertise in the economic, political, cultural, commercial, and social aspects of the U.S., as well as excellent transferable skills that are highly valued in the job market. The cultural adaptability and linguistic expertise that comes from living and studying in the U.S.A. distinguishes our American Studies students from most job candidates. After graduation, our students move into jobs in the business world, journalism, diplomacy, politics, event organization, or teaching, to name only a few options.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the program you need a high school diploma that is equivalent to a Dutch high school diploma (for example, a German Abitur or an International Baccalaureate). In principle, students from the European Economic Area (EEA) who are eligible for a degree program at a university in their own country may also enroll in our program. Adequate fluency in both written and spoken English is a prerequisite for admission to the program (a minimum TOEFL score of 92 internet based, 580 paper-based, or 237 computer-based, or an overall IELTS score of 6.5).

Contact information

• Please contact the study advisor for personal guidance and advice
• For questions about admission: admissions.office.let@rug.nl

More information

• Visit the website of the Bachelor's programme American Studies
• Request the University of Groningen brochure Studying in Groningen - American Studies via the online request form
• Create your brochure with information about American Studies