A maximum of 64 transfer semester hours from a community, junior, or two year college will be applied to a degree. A minimum of 120 credits is required to earn a B. A. in American Studies. Nature of Program - The Bachelor of Arts in American Studies enables students to look at the experiences of North Americans and their environment from a variety of historical and contemporary perspectives. American Studies offers a flexible, interdisciplinary degree program that allows students to take courses in a number of areas. Students may choose to emphasize a particular track in American Studies, for example, or select courses from across the tracks.
Students conclude the program with an exit project such as a senior thesis or an internship.
Career Outlook - The B.A. in American Studies teaches students to think and write critically, to conduct research, and to appreciate the changing and diverse nature of American life. American Studies graduates accordingly are well-equipped to embark on a wide variety of careers in business, government, education, museum and foundation work, journalism and other forms of professional writing, and in other areas where these capabilities are highly valued and sought. The program also serves as excellent preparation for law school and for graduate programs in fields such as American Studies, English, Journalism, History, and Art History. Most importantly, American Studies, by virtue of its interdisciplinary approach to the study of American cultures, systems, and lives, provides a rounded perspective, a chance to see issues and problems from a variety of angles. As such, it is ideally suited to careers in which research, analysis and planning play a central role.