Internships hold a special significance in our program — in fact, they are a required component and central focus. This is because the American Studies PhD program was designed to reform doctoral education to prepare students in the liberal arts for a broad range of professions outside of academic teaching. In our program, you will find a direct connection between research training gained at the doctoral level to skills required by professions outside of the academy.
The doctoral internship required in our PhD program places interns in non-profit, for-profit, and government agencies where interns participate full-time in the substantive work of an organization. The AMST program works with external organizations to cover costs associated with graduate training, including health insurance and monthly stipends. Importantly, these internships can serve as part of the research for your dissertations.
If you are pursuing doctoral studies because you are eager to make a difference in your community or the world outside of academics, then the American Studies doctoral program is a valuable opportunity. Relative to traditional Ph.D. programs, we have restructured methods courses to include digital and quantitative/qualitative coursework. We have formed and continue to form close partnerships with many organizations throughout Indianapolis. Our program is dedicated to expanding the understanding of scholarship to include digital, collaborative, and works beyond a single-authored monograph; and much more deliberate assistance in mentoring graduate students as well as tracking and connecting graduates with current students in the program.
As a Ph.D. student in American Studies, you will have access and assistance with placement at one of our partnered organizations to find experience that fits appropriately with your academic goals. For some of our students, the impetus for joining our program has been to work with a partner organization students already have in mind — we have been able to accommodate both approaches.
Contact Dr. Ray Haberski, Director of American Studies, Cavanaugh Hall, Room 531
