Testimonials

Anna Tussey: "During my time as a Master's student in American Studies, I was able to personalize my course of study to better fit my professional desires. I emphasized the study of Education. Currently, I work as a high school teacher in an alternative program for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)."

Sean Watkins: "When I reflect on my education in the Kennesaw State University MAST program, I realize the program prepared me in unpredictable ways for my career. Through workshops with incredibly supportive classmates, and professors who were nothing short of champions, I was challenged to discover a voice I didn’t know I had. I find myself building on my MAST education, able to communicate and collaborate in new ways as I further my education at Harvard University with a Master of Science in Theology."

Tanya Brinkley: "I am an Army retiree. I was drawn to the KSU MAST Program because I wanted to do further study of identities and social construction theories. The American Studies Graduate degree made a difference in my career because the school where I now work was hiring faculty with interdisciplinary experience. I’m able to do the exact work I’d like to do, part instructing, part advocacy and activism."

Annie Moye: "While a student in the MAST program, I was able to provide real-world, practical solutions for my community partners at the Pasaquan Preservation Society (PPS). My Capstone project was also included in a major grant proposal, which led to a multi-million-dollar restoration project at the art environment known as Pasaquan in southwest Georgia. Today, I’m the chair of the PPS, and it is impossible for me to imagine these happy circumstances without the work I did and the people I met in KSU’s MAST program."

Mandy McGrew: "The MAST program changed the way that I see the world; it opened my mind to the many varied perspectives of everyone around me and helped me take a critical view of everyday experiences. This practice has helped me to be successful in my career as an educational developer where I work with faculty and students from different backgrounds, motivations, and views of the world. The high expectations set by my professors and faculty mentors in the program showed me what I was capable of accomplishing."

Jacqueline Winters-Allen: "The MAST program at Kennesaw State was a great way to do in-depth graduate study on a variety of topics in American culture and history. The interdisciplinary nature allowed me to take classes toward both my professional goals and personal interests. Through MAST, I was also able to participate in a study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico for 2 weeks during the summer — it was an amazing opportunity I will never forget."

Ashley McFarland: "The MA in American Studies opened doors for me. Before this program, I did not know what I wanted to do professionally other than find a way to earn a living writing. I especially did not envision a career in academia, because I wasn't a particularly involved undergraduate. I stayed quiet, completed my work, and hurried off campus as quickly as I could once class was over. My experience in graduate school was completely different. Though the program was rigorous, I learned I enjoyed the challenge. I learned that I liked unpacking difficult theoretical concepts and talking about them with others. I learned that I could do something with my passion for social justice.

I loved the flexibility of the program. The students I took classes with all came from different academic backgrounds. I was an English undergrad, but I learned with students with degrees in Theatre and Performance Studies, History, Education, Sociology, Anthropology, and Business. The faculty I studied under are brilliant, dedicated, and passionate about helping students succeed. Since I have graduated, I continue to collaborate with some of my professors from American Studies for writing projects, conference presentations, scholarly service work, and activism."