Fact check: Are there universities in American where I can study the history of comedy for the purpose of earning a Master's degree?

1. Summary of the results

While there are numerous comedy-related educational programs in the United States, the analyses suggest that full Master's degree programs specifically in comedy are more readily available in the UK, with programs like Falmouth University's MA in Comedy Writing ^[1] and University of Arts London's MA Comedy Writer-Performer program ^[2]. In the United States, most comedy education exists at the undergraduate level or as specialized certificate programs.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question overlooks several important aspects of comedy education:

• Undergraduate Options: Columbia College Chicago offers a comprehensive Comedy Writing and Performance bachelor's degree, with plans for a new BFA program in 2026 ^[3].
• Specialized Programs: The Second City, in partnership with Columbia College Chicago, offers a notable semester-long Comedy Studies program costing between $9,762 to $16,136 ^{[4] [5]}.
• Broader Academic Recognition: Comedy has gained legitimacy as an academic field, pioneered by Stephen Rosenfield, who established it as a serious course of study ^[6]. Multiple prestigious institutions including NYU, USC, UCLA, Harvard, and Indiana University offer comedy-related programs ^[7].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question's focus on Master's degrees specifically might lead to overlooking valuable alternative pathways in comedy education:

• The assumption that a Master's degree is the optimal path for studying comedy history could be misleading, as many successful programs exist at different academic levels.
• The question's American focus might cause students to miss excellent opportunities abroad, such as the UK programs ^{[1] [2]}.
• The emphasis on academic credentials in comedy might overlook the practical, hands-on nature of comedy education, as demonstrated by programs like The Second City's partnership with Columbia College Chicago ^[8].