What You'll Learn
Through this liberal arts graduate certificate, you will gain knowledge of the American literary form and tradition informed by political, cultural, and historical contexts.
- Enhanced understanding of American narrative art forms–such as poetry, literature, and film–through exploration of a range of authors, genres, and historical periods.
- Sharpened facility in narrative interpretation, critical analysis, and ability to lead discussion around American literary and cultural artifacts.
- Expanded knowledge of the American experience and exposure to focused subject areas, such as the poetry of Emily Dickinson, the twentieth-century American novel, and the literary works of the Civil War.
Courses
The American Literature and Culture Graduate Certificate requires four courses or 16 credits:
- 2 humanities courses (chosen from the humanities group)
- 2 social sciences courses (chosen from the social sciences group)
Searching for and Registering for Courses
Available courses for each course group vary by term. You can browse options for fall, spring, or summer in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Our Community at a Glance
Going back to school doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold. We’ve designed our courses, certificates, and degrees to give you the flexibility to pace your studies to fit your schedule.
-
60%
Applied Certificate to ALM degree
-
70%
Employed Full Time
-
1/3
Took Certificate Course for Personal Interest
-
96%
Would Recommend the Certificate
Earning Your Certificate
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete 16 certificate credits at the graduate level.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Stacking Your Certificate Into a Degree
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn your American Literature and Culture certificate. Once completed, those four courses may count toward either a master’s degree in English, a master’s degree in government, or a master’s degree in history.
This stackable pathway offers an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2025–26 rate) | $3,440 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,760 |
