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Social and Cultural Analysis (American Studies) ,BA

Social and Cultural Analysis (American Studies), BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Social and Cultural Analysis (American Studies)

African diaspora, American Studies, Cross-Cultural, Cultural Analysis, Ethnicity, Gender, Hispanic, Indigenous, Legislative, Native American, Race, U.S. History, american, multicultural, prelaw

Explore the historical, political and cultural underpinnings of the fabric that binds communities today. Gain insight as you explore the myriad facets that meld the American experience with perspectives of marginalized populations.
Program description ▲

The BA program in social and cultural analysis with a concentration in American studies engages in the transdisciplinary and comparative study of the United States as a cultural and political site of ongoing change and conflict.

Students learn diverse methods of analyzing nationalist politics, public and private cultural practices, transnationalism and the nation-making processes of migration. The curriculum also brings attention to identity formations around gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity.

As a transdisciplinary field, American studies unites the social sciences, the humanities and the arts to stimulate students into engaging in rigorous and adventurous conversations about American culture, politics and history. Students explore knowledge beyond disciplinary boundaries by bringing differing perspectives and understandings into dialogue with one another and generating a beneficial level of intellectual rigor and excitement.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map) ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options▲
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements▲

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities▲
Global experience

Students can learn to put the United States in a global context through a faculty-directed study abroad program that explores culture, borders and politics. Executing cross-cultural communication develops career skills that are in demand by employers. Students can stay on track academically by earning ASU credit for completed courses in one of more than 300 programs available.

Career opportunities▲

Due to the emphasis on culture and identity, students develop respect for and sensitivity to diverse populations. Graduates of this program are prepared for graduate study as well as for careers in government, education, business and nonprofit organizations, with skills and knowledge that enable them to flourish in areas as varied as:

  • civil rights organizations
  • colleges and universities
  • corporations
  • government agencies
  • law firms
  • libraries
  • museums
  • political action groups
  • public relation firms
  • social service agencies

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
8.2%
$58,640
3.7%
$73,150
3.9%
$80,910
-4.0%
$73,080
1.3%
$79,400
Lawyer   Bright Outlook
7.5%
$135,740
6.6%
$128,020
3.7%
$83,770
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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