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Master of Arts (M.A.)

European Studies

BGSU offers the only Master of Arts (M.A.) program in European studies in Ohio

A graduate degree in European studies is a degree for tomorrow’s leaders in global diplomacy, education, law, intelligence, business and culture.  Europe is a continent of nearly 750 million people whose rich history and ongoing power and influence continue to shape the world’s future. The European Union alone accounts for over 16% of global trade, according to the World Trade Organization. 

A key highlight of the BGSU European cultural studies M.A. program is that it allows students to tailor coursework to their career goals by choosing one of the following specializations:

  • European political economy
  • Regional focus (France, Germany and Austria, Russia or Spain)
  • Other European languages (Italian, Russian, Slovenian) in combination with an arts and science or political-economic specialization
  • European arts and letters

A master’s in cultural studies is designed to instill the critical thinking, cultural fluency and analytical skills that are in high demand in every industry. A graduate degree in European studies opens doors to many exciting career fields – whether you dream of negotiating international trade agreements, preserving cultural heritage, influencing policy or teaching the next generation of leaders. 

Program highlights

  • Interdisciplinary curriculum with global relevance. The BGSU M.A. in European studies curriculum covers key topics, such as European economics, politics, history, culture, language, media and law. We ensure students develop a comprehensive understanding of Europe’s role in the world by offering a wealth of perspectives. 
  • Faculty with international experience. European studies professors are thought leaders in their respective fields, bringing a diversity of expertise in European affairs, international relations and cross-cultural studies. Many have strong research credentials and policy experience. 
  • Study abroad and international internships. Nothing replaces first-hand experience. Immersion is a core component of the European studies M.A. degree program. BGSU offers graduate students opportunities to intern and/or study abroad in countries like Austria, Spain, France and Italy.
  • Strong language learning component. Language learning is integral to the European studies degree. Students acquire intermediate to advanced proficiency in a language other than English (unless they’re studying in Great Britain or Ireland) through language courses at BGSU and immersive study and work abroad experiences.
  • Connections to global organizations. BGSU has one of the most competitive European cultural studies degree programs and has an extensive alumni network. We have direct ties to global organizations, corporations engaged in European markets and government agencies. 
  • Research and thesis options. Our interdisciplinary program invites individualized research by graduate students. The culminating experience includes either thesis research or readings for a comprehensive exam or capstone project. 

BGSU offers the only Master of Arts in European studies program in Ohio.

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Career opportunities

BGSU graduates with an M.A. in European studies enter the global workforce with the skills, knowledge and international experience to excel in leadership roles in business, policy, diplomacy, education and beyond. 

Our World Languages and Culture alumni may work as international affairs analysts, studying, drafting and recommending international policy. They’re hired as corporate strategists, advising multinational corporations on market trends and global trade. Some are employed as human rights advocates, furthering meaningful humanitarian initiatives around the world. 

Students are granted broad latitude to choose an area of focus that best aligns with their long-term goals. Jobs available to graduates with a master’s in cultural studies include: 

  • Policy analysis and think tanks. Our emphasis on critical thinking, research and experiential learning puts graduates in a strong position to step into influential roles with policy research organizations, European and transatlantic think tanks (analyzing E.U.-U.S. relations, international security, trade policy, etc.), human rights organizations and global consulting firms. 
  • International business and trade. Expertise in European languages and markets is a major asset for international businesses. Graduates can pursue promising careers in multinational corporations as strategists or market analysts. They may also work at import/export companies, helping navigate European trade regulations. Financial institutions specializing in European markets and investments also hire those with a European cultural studies M.A. 
  • Government and diplomacy. Europe remains a critical partner in global affairs. Graduates of our European studies M.A. program are ideal candidates for careers in international service, intelligence analysis and public policy. They may find positions in the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce or international organizations, such as the U.N. or E.U.
  • International education and cultural exchange. Are you passionate about language, cultural diplomacy or international education? Opportunities may be ripe in teaching, curriculum development or international student advising in university administration. Museums and cultural heritage organizations are another possibility. 

Career paths

  • International sales representative
  • Study abroad coordinator
  • Nonprofit development coordinator
  • NGO administrator
  • Political scientist
  • Teacher
  • Professional translator
  • Corporate researcher
  • English as a second language instructor
  • International correspondent/journalist
  • Foreign service officer (Diplomat)

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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World languages graduate certificates

The BGSU World Languages Department offers graduate certificates in a number of European languages. These 18-credit certificates are ideal for teachers and other working professionals seeking to advance their cultural and language skills. Some teachers also use these graduate certificates to pursue credentialing for teaching College Credit Plus (CCP) courses to high school students. 

Graduate certificates in European languages include:

Curriculum

The M.A. in European studies requires 30 graduate-level hours of coursework. Nine of those hours are required courses. 

Students choose 12 hours of electives in one of the following specializations: 

  • European fine arts and literature
  • A specific European region
  • European languages other than English
  • European politics and economics. 

There’s also a language learning component of at least two courses at the third year level or above, as well as a 3-credit hour capstone experience of either a thesis or comprehensive reading/exam. 

Required courses

european studies

Sample courses

  • Problems in Modern Europe
  • Seminar in International Relations
  • Contemporary Germany
  • Topics in French Culture or Civilization

European studies M.A. study abroad

Graduate students in the BGSU European studies M.A. degree program are encouraged to spend time studying and/or interning abroad. Our European partner universities include:

Admissions 

Applicants for the M.A. in European studies must submit:

  • Official transcripts showing evidence of a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA from a regionally accredited institution (Those with a lower GPA may be considered for conditional admission.) 
  • A 2-3 page statement of purpose outlining your experience within the field of European studies, your professional goals and the research interests you wish to pursue
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of your qualifications and ability to successfully complete graduate study 

International applicants may need to meet additional requirements. The Department of World Languages and Cultures begins reviewing completed applications starting Feb. 15. More information is available from BGSU Graduate Admissions.

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Updated: 05/06/2025 10:40AM