Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

This programme emphasises interdisciplinary inquiry across humanities and social sciences. Core themes typically include critical theory, cultural and historical studies, ethics, research methods and interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary problems. Students select electives from areas such as literature, philosophy, history, cultural studies, digital humanities, rhetoric and composition, public humanities, and social sciences to create a coherent concentration aligned with their interests.

Typical course components include:

• Interdisciplinary foundations — courses addressing methods and theories that facilitate cross-disciplinary research and analysis.
• Research methods and praxis — qualitative and quantitative approaches, archival methods, or digital tools appropriate to humanities research.
• Advanced seminars — small, discussion-led classes that emphasise critical reading, writing and sustained research.
• Electives and directed study — opportunities to pursue specialised interests under faculty supervision, including internships or community-engaged projects.
• Capstone thesis or project — a sustained research, creative or applied project that synthesises learning and demonstrates mastery of the chosen field.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic preparation for graduate study, such as a solid undergraduate record, writing samples or a portfolio when relevant, and a clear statement of purpose outlining proposed areas of study.

• Transcripts — official academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Personal statement — a statement of purpose describing academic interests, goals and how the interdisciplinary programme will support those aims.
• Letters of recommendation — typically academic or professional references that speak to readiness for graduate-level work.
• Writing sample or portfolio — when required, a sample that demonstrates analytical and research abilities.
• English language proficiency — international applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements demonstrated through accepted tests or prior coursework taught in English.

Standardised tests such as the GRE may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; check with the programme for current policies. Part-time and post-baccalaureate applicants with relevant professional experience are often encouraged to apply.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of career paths that value critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis and advanced communication skills. Common directions include:

• Education — secondary teaching, curriculum development, adult education and preparation for doctoral study or professional licensure.
• Public and cultural institutions — roles in museums, archives, historic sites, and cultural organisations involving interpretation, public programming and collections support.
• Non-profit and community organisations — programme management, outreach, grant writing and evaluation work that benefits from strong research and writing skills.
• Communications and publishing — editorial work, content strategy, public relations and research roles in media organisations.
• Government and policy — analytic, research or administrative positions where interdisciplinary perspectives inform public-facing initiatives.
• Further academic study — alumni often continue to PhD programmes in humanities and social sciences or professional degrees where a broad humanities background is advantageous.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers an environment well suited to interdisciplinary graduate study, with faculty drawn from multiple departments who bring a range of research interests and pedagogical approaches. Small seminar sizes allow for close faculty mentoring and sustained engagement with texts and research projects.

The university provides flexible delivery options, including evening and online courses that accommodate working professionals. Students benefit from campus research libraries, writing support services and opportunities to work with local cultural organisations across the university’s regional campuses. The programme’s emphasis on applied and community-engaged work helps link academic study to practical experience and professional networks in the region and beyond.