Drawing from a range of theories, practices, and methods, Cultural Studies researchers investigate values, cultural processes and objects, economic and social relations, institutions and identities.

Admission to the MA program is normally limited to applicants with a minimum strong upper second-class standing in the upper years of their BA program.  The MA program has two streams: a Course-based Master's (designed to be completed in 10 months) and a Thesis Master's (designed to be completed in two years). All students are initially accepted into the course-based stream. Interested and qualified students may apply to switch to the thesis stream after completing two courses. The requirements for each stream are as follows:  Course-based MA:  four one-term (3.0 unit) courses,* CUST 802 Cultural Studies Colloquium , and  CUST 850 Capstone Project . Thesis MA:  four one-term (3.0 unit) courses*,  CUST 802 Cultural Studies Colloquium , 20,000-25,000 word thesis or equivalent ( CUST 899 Master's Thesis or Project ).  NOTE : MA students who have completed two terms, who have a strong record of excellence, and who show exceptional promise in their research may be considered for promotion to the CUST doctoral program without completion of the MA.  *Cultural Studies offers a range courses every year (see  Courses of Instruction  section for descriptions). All students are required to complete  CUST 803 Cultural Studies Past& Present  plus one additional Cultural Studies course. Students choose the remaining two courses from available courses in Cultural Studies and other units.