The Master of Arts in Cultural Studies degree provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in three areas:
- Professional careers in community-based arts, culture, advocacy, education, and social service organizations
- Freelance, practice-based work
- Further academic study in the interdisciplinary arts, humanities, and social sciences
Alumni Stories
The M.A. in Cultural Studies program provides students with a rich toolkit of skills and vital network of relationships to enhance their future careers. Learn how Cultural Studies has contributed to the career success of our graduates.
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Paul Johnson is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at Seattle Waldorf School and has worked in human resources and DEI at Junior Achievement, Starbucks, and Microsoft. Learn about Paul
Mateó B. Ochoa is the Senior Program Manager of Community Programs at Sundance Institute. They are also an artist and community organizer.
Learn about Mateó
EJ Juarez is the public policy manager for Group Health Foundation, where he is responsible for advancing the organization's health equity agenda.
Learn about EJ
Read more Alumni Stories
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Organizational and Entrepreneurial Pathways
The M.A. in Cultural Studies program emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, research and analysis, writing and speaking, philosophical and ethical analysis, and historical and cultural understandings, laying an excellent foundation for careers within a range of arts and cultural fields. Visit the links below to learn how alumni are engaging with particular sectors.
Academic Pathways
The M.A. in Cultural Studies is a natural launching point into Ph.D programs. Graduates often pursue advanced study within a variety of disciplines with the goal of teaching and researching in academic institutions. Students have enrolled in doctoral programs in Communication, English, Leadership Studies, and Women Studies. Those interested in further academic study may explore
Applying to Ph.D. Programs and the conference and association resources under
Research Opportunities.
Career Resources
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The M.A. in Cultural Studies program and the University of Washington Bothell offer multiple resources for your career development.
As part of the Cultural Studies program, you will develop a portfolio that frames and presents your specific professional and academic accomplishments. This process starts at the beginning of the program and is supported in the second year by BCULST 511Professional and Portfolio Development.
You also have the opportunity to explore work in different sectors through academic internships in community, nonprofit, government, private and/or philanthropic organizations.
UW Bothell Career Services offers workshops and personalized assistance in developing professional presentation skills, from resumes and cover letters, to informational interviewing and networking, to career planning.
Additional University of Washington career resources for graduate students include: