University of Bucharest · Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures
The first American Studies program in Romania — an interdisciplinary Bachelor’s and Master’s taught in English, at home in the University of Bucharest since 1996.
Admissions 2026
Registration open
MA · Registration
July 6–13, 2026
MA · Interview (online)
July 14, 2026 · 1 pm
BA · July session
Dossier-based, July 2026
American Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the culture, history, and society of the United States. The field barely existed here before 1989 — it took root in Romania with the pioneering program at the University of Bucharest, founded on the initiative of Professor Rodica Mihăilă.
We began with an MA program in 1996; the undergraduate program followed soon after and remains the most successful of its kind in the country. Supported from the beginning by the Cultural Center of the U.S. Embassy and the Fulbright Commission, the program has learned from some of the best specialists in the field.
Not just literature: a cultural-studies degree reaches across everything America has made — from novels to newsrooms, from silent film to video games.
Plus a second language, your pick of thirteen — from French and German to Korean, Persian, or Latin. Both appear on your diploma transcript.
Core disciplines include English as a Second Language, American literature and culture, U.S. history, film, and popular culture — with complementary courses in the language and literature you choose.
Undergraduate · 3 years
The only cultural-studies bachelor’s in Romania with a built-in specialization in a second foreign language, literature, and culture.
Graduate · 2 years
U.S. culture and society in comparative, transnational perspective, along three tracks: Culture & Values, History & Politics, Society & Communication.
“A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning… From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome.”
Emma Lazarus — The New Colossus, 1883
We go beyond teaching and examining. Our students take internships at institutions directly connected to their future careers — cultural centers, embassies, newsrooms, publishing houses, NGOs — and leave with solid recommendations and real work experience.
Every year, one or two American professors join us through the Romanian–U.S. Fulbright Commission, teaching courses and advising students who plan to continue their studies in the United States.
Partners & hosts: Romanian–U.S. Fulbright Commission · U.S. Embassy Cultural Center · Romanian Cultural Institute · Central University Library · Discovery Channel · RAAS · Center for Independent Journalism
The atmosphere of openness and willingness to welcome multiple perspectives enriched every class. If I could, I would take the same course over and over again.
This multi-perspective view on America — literature, psychology, history, anthropology, linguistics — was the key to a deeper knowledge of the United States, impossible through one single subject.
Classes here have been an inclusive place to discuss, present, and challenge myself. I have always felt welcome — a warming intellectual atmosphere.
The courses were based on real academic discussion, and creativity was appreciated. The exchange left me with a new passion — and shaped my Master’s thesis.
Read her message“Senator J. William Fulbright regarded education as the most powerful instrument for building bridges between nations. We should be proud of being among the first to fulfill this role.”
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Rodica Mihăilă — founder of the program