Best American Studies Programs

As a young and incredibly diverse nation, the United States is considered by many to be a work in progress. American studies majors explore the colorful canvas of the United States, often asking what it means to be American.

If you choose this major, you’ll study everything from the novels, music, and film of the United States to its politics, economy, and history. You’ll even investigate primary sources such as the letters of a Civil War soldier or the oral histories of the 1965 Watts riots in Los Angeles.

Ph.D. American Studies doctorate programs can be a great fit for students who are interested in finding out more about the diverse cultures of the United States and how they shape American life. African American studies doctorate programs make up a good percentage of this niche in higher education, although other cultures significant to American life are also studied in detail.

Students enrolled in American Studies doctorate programs generally take courses in the humanities, social sciences and the arts. These courses will give you the foundation to pursue a career in a specific area or culture of your choosing, be it African American studies doctorate programs or another interdisciplinary area under the American Studies umbrella.

Graduates of Ph.D. American studies programs can pursue teaching careers at college and universities, including in the history, English, women’s studies, communications and American Studies departments.

Overview of the American Studies Major

In an American studies program, students examine social, political, historical, and other angles of American culture. They will take courses in literature, history, political science, philosophy, sociology, economics, media, film, and other areas to look at American identity and perspectives. 

People who are strong critical and analytical thinkers will thrive in an American studies program. They must also be willing to look at a variety of issues from multiple perspectives. Research is an important skill for someone in this major.

A strong American studies program will help students hone these and other skills, such as research, communication, and writing.

American studies graduates go on to find careers in a number of fields, such as:

• Arts administration
• Business
• Communications
• Education/teaching
• Government
• Journalism
• Law
• Library science
• Media
• Museum curation
• Public policy
• Politics
• Research

Many of these jobs, such as law, require a graduate degree. For others, a bachelor’s is sufficient. There are master’s and PhD programs in American studies, necessary for careers like teaching at the college level.

What to Look for in a College as an American Studies Major

Outcomes

Because American studies graduates end up in many different careers, it’s important to see how a college’s program prepares students for their lives after college. Note where students end up after they earn their degrees. Also, establish whether these outcomes align with your own career goals. For instance, are you thinking of being a lawyer? See how many American studies graduates from a given school head to law school.

Internship Opportunities

Does the school partner with organizations to help students secure prestigious internships to prepare them for their future careers? Georgetown University, for example, notes that its American studies students have interned with presidential campaigns, Congress, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Washington Post, and many other organizations.

Specializations Offered

American studies is a broad discipline, and many students specialize in a certain sub-topic. Look at whether you’ll be able to choose a concentration that interests you at the school in question. For example, at Williams College, American studies majors can focus on concentrations like Arts in Context; Comparative Studies in Race, Ethnicity & Diaspora; Critical and Cultural Theory; and Space and Place.

Study Abroad Opportunities

In order to study American culture, it’s important to learn about other perspectives and cultures. This is why so many American studies majors study abroad. Look for a college with a robust study abroad program that allows you to explore different cultures. Also, note how many students (especially American studies majors) do study outside of the United States and what the process is like. Does the college have an office dedicated to learning internationally? What are the requirements for studying abroad?

List of All U.S. Colleges With an American Studies Major

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

What are your odds of being admitted to a top American studies college? It starts with academics. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter applicants before looking at qualitative factors, so your grades and test scores play a big role. 

Your extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and other qualitative factors also play an important role in the admissions process. American studies majors might consider activities like student newspaper, debate team, history club, and student government.

Want to know where you stand? Check out our free Chancing Engine to find out your likelihood of being admitted to top American studies schools. We examine many factors, including your academic stats, extracurriculars, and much more. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account to get started!

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