American Studies
Overview
American studies programs teach people about the history, society, and cultures in the United States.American studies programs include topics such as:
- American cultures and subcultures
- Art
- Sociology
- Economics
- Literature and folklore
- Film studies
- Religions and philosophic movements
- Research methods
Students also take courses depending on their specific interests.
Schools
Community colleges offer associate degree programs in American studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in American studies. A bachelor's degree typically takes about two years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in American studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- African-American and Black Studies
- Anthropology
- Asian-American Studies
- Ethnic Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Latin American Studies
- Latino Studies
- Native American Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Sociology
Related Careers
Careers to Consider
- Anthropologists
- Archeologists
- Curators
- Economists
- Geographers
- High School Teachers
- Historians
- Market Research Analysts
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Political Scientists
- Sociologists
- University and College Teachers
- Writers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Most program require a separate application process. This usually means that you take prerequisite courses, fill out an application form, and write a personal statement.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Comparative Government
- Contemporary U.S. Issues
- European History
- Geography
- Humanities
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- US Ethnic and Gender Studies
- US History
- Western Civilization
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate major or significant course work in the social sciences
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Academic writing sample
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anthropology
- Culture and Ethnic Relationships
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Language
- Law in American Society
- Literature, Folklore, and Film
- Political Systems
- Religion and Philosophy
- Sociology
- Technology and Culture
- Women in America
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in American studies typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
A degree in American studies is considered good preparation for graduate study in law, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- American Studies
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Associate in Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree
Columbia College - Naval Station Everett/Marysville
- American Studies
North Seattle College
- American Ethnic Studies Pre-Major
Shoreline Community College
- American Studies (Transfer)
University of Washington - Bothell
- American and Ethnic Studies
University of Washington - Seattle
- American Ethnic Studies
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- American Culture and Equity Studies
Spokane Area
Whitworth University
- American Studies
Tacoma Area
Evergreen State College, The (Tacoma Campus)
- Literature
University of Washington - Tacoma
- Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences--American Studies
West Side Area
Columbia College - Whidbey Island
- American Studies
Evergreen State College, The
- American Studies
- History
- Literature
Western Washington University
- American Cultural Studies
Yakima Area
Heritage University
- American Cultural Studies