Why Study Folklore at USU?
National Reputation:
The graduate program in Folklore offers an MA degree and is nationally recognized.
Student-Centered Faculty:
Accomplished faculty include Jay Anderson, Lisa Gabbert, Jan Roush, Steve Siporin, Jeannie B. Thomas, and Barre Toelken (emeritus).
Famous Folklorists:
The annual Fife Conference brings in visiting, famous folklore scholars who work with students. For photos of some of these famous folklorists, visit the Folklore Program's Photo Archive.
Flexibility:
The program is flexible; students can choose between an emphasis on public folklore or academic folklore. A variety of courses are offered including Fieldwork, Ethnicity, Foodways, Legend and Belief, Folklore and Film, Native American Studies, Regional Folklore, Legend and the Supernatural, Public Folklore, Folk Narrative, Folklore Theory, and more.
Folkore Archives:
USU is the home of The Fife Folkore Archives, a nationally recognized archive and repository for the papers of the American Folklore Society, as well as other significant collections such as the G. Malcolm Laws Ballad Collection or the Wayland D. Hand Collection of American Popular Belief and Superstition.
Funding:
Scholarships and graduate instructorships are available through the Folklore Program's home department, the English Department.
Internships:
USU students often complete internships at regional and national organizations including The National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Western Folklife Center, the Montana Arts Council, The Buffalo Bill Historical Center, and the Harrison Museum of Art.
Employment:
Students have a good record of placement both in the public sector and in academic positions.