All applicants are required to submit a personal statement stating why they are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary American Studies degree at IU, defining their specific area of research in American Studies, and outlining their career goals.

All applicants must upload a current CV listing their academic accomplishments, skill sets, and training.

Applicants are required to upload a copy of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Further, applicants are required to request an official transcript from each degree-granting institution to be sent directly to the Graduate School. Applicants who have attended international institutions must submit transcripts or certified attestations of study, with certified English translations. Once translated, the original transcript and the certified translations are to be sent to the Graduate School admission office. College seniors should submit current transcripts, followed by a final official transcript showing the award of the baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation, as is required and mentioned above.

The Department of American Studies requires three letters of recommendation by persons well qualified to speak from first-hand knowledge about the applicant's potential for graduate study. All letters should comment on an applicant's ability to carry out research and succeed in the program's required coursework. These letters should be from faculty at the institution of current study or, if the applicant is not in school at the time of application, at the institution most recently attended.

Applicants are required to submit one short writing sample (10-25 pages, double spaced) which illustrates their ability to conduct academic research, such as copies of research papers, publications, and other writing samples.

The Department does not require GRE scores. However, students who wish to submit them along with their application may do so.