American Studies ,BA
Diversity, Education, Ethnicity, Health, Race, Social Studies, government, law, marketing, politics
What is America? What is the American experience? How do the answers to these questions vary depending on who is being asked? Learn to think deeply and critically about these questions and about the role of the U.S. in matters near and far.
The Bachelor of Arts in American studies bridges multiple disciplinary approaches to explore the diverse cultures, global impact, social systems, gendered experiences, socioeconomic realities and political thought of the United States. The field of American studies centers an understanding of diversity in U.S. society; understanding of how the U.S. national community represents and imagines itself; understanding of how this resonates globally; and understanding the role of social movements seeking to achieve political, legal and economic change.
The program trains you in the history and trajectory of the field of American studies; explorations of racial literacy, gender, sexuality and socioeconomic experiences grounded in historical contexts that help in understanding contemporary U.S. populations; critical methodologies, including how alternative voices are key in research, politics and policy, and social justice work; applied research methods, particularly those that involve community involvement and engagement; and the use of storytelling and narratives to represent diverse communities and facilitate broader understanding across groups.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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.
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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Analyze key theories and concepts in American Studies and the role of U.S. diversity-related social movements in the field.
- Apply the theory and interdisciplinary research skills that define the field of American Studies.
- Effectively explain the important role that diversity plays in the field of American Studies.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, American studies students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Graduates are prepared for careers in policy, education and teaching, urban planning, sustainability, sociopolitical movements, environmental impacts, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, government, journalism, law and justice, public safety and health. This degree program is also well suited for pairing with other professional degrees that prepare students for these careers.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.6%
|
$56,730
|
|
|
2.4%
|
$85,020
|
|
|
0.0%
|
$78,760
|
|
|
2.2%
|
$76,750
|
|
|
-0.2%
|
$83,820
|
|
|
1.7%
|
$68,270
|
|
|
6.7%
|
$78,760
|
|
|
-2.0%
|
$64,370
|
|
|
-3.9%
|
$62,200
|
|
|
3.4%
|
Not available
|
School of Social Transformation
|
WLSN 5th floor
SSTadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7682
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
