Getting a Degree in American Studies
American Studies is the perfect degree for students interested in all aspects of American culture including politics, history, economics, media, film, and other aspects that weave together to form the fabric of American society. A degree in American Studies is interdisciplinary, examining the American identity from many disciplines and perspectives.
What can you do with an American Studies Degree?
A degree in American Studies prepares students for careers in a number of fields, such as:
- Arts (Administration and Creative)
- Business
- Communications
- Education
- Government
- Journalism
- Law
- Media
- Public Policy
- Politics
- Research
Is an American Studies Degree hard?
No, an American Studies Degree is not hard! This is truly an interdisciplinary degree offering students a wide variety of courses. With such diversity of study students are sure to find many topics and courses that genuinely interest them. Keep in mind the main focus is what we are living daily: American culture!
Getting a Degree in American Studies
Earning a degree in American Studies can be found as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral program. Certificate programs can also be found, although less common, yet are a wonderful educational asset to attain.
Certificate Programs in American Studies
A Certificate in American Studies can be a great introductory program to this field of study. Students can earn an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program or in conjunction with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree. A Certificate in American Studies can enhance career advancement and salary prospects and is also an excellent asset for those seeking to embark on a new career.
Jobs with a Certificate in American Studies:
- Human Service Assistants – Provide services for clients, and specific populations of clients, in a variety of social service fields. Human Service Assistants may work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, and state and local governments. Median Annual Salary: $35,000.
- Legal Assistant – Perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers. Median Annual Salary: $52,000.
- Law Enforcement – Police officers protect lives and property. Median Annual Salary: $67,000.
Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies
Students who have a passion for the United States, history, and the social sciences will find a degree in American Studies particularly appealing. Students gain knowledge through a wide variety of courses including those in:
- Anthropology
- History
- Humanities
- Popular Culture
- Politics
- Art
- Women’s Studies
Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.
Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies:
- Legislator- An elected position responsible for development, introduction, and/or enactment of laws and statutes at the local, state, tribal, or federal level. Median Annual Salary: $30,000.
- News Correspondent- Work for newspaper, website, or periodical publishers or in television or radio broadcasting and inform the public about news and events. Specifically, as it relates to and/or impacts the American population. Median Annual Salary: $46,000.
- Public Relations Specialist- Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
- Public Relations Manager- Direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Median Annual Salary: $118,000.
Master’s Degree in American Studies
A graduate degree in American Studies will help students build their analytical and critical thinking skills. Students will also further develop their research, communication, and writing skills. A Master’s Degree in American Studies is a popular choice for those seeking to become an expert in their chosen fields or those choosing to focus on research or teaching in American Studies.
In a comprehensive graduate program, students will look to the past to gain a deeper knowledge of the histories of Americans and all sub-cultural identities. A comprehensive graduate program will also look to the future and address the many aspects of life that are of significance to the American populations including cultural, social, and political.
Jobs with a Master’s Degree in American Studies:
- Historian- Research, analyze, interpret, and write about the American past by studying historical documents and sources. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
- Postsecondary Teacher- Instruct students in American Studies courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
- Top Executive- Plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. Median Annual Salary: $105,000.
- Author- Develop written content for various types of media on the topic of America. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.
- Political Scientist- Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems, specifically American political systems. Median Annual Salary: $125,000.
Is an American Studies Degree worth it?
Yes, an American Studies Degree is worth it! With a wide variety of degrees and certificates available, American Studies is an excellent choice for a degree no matter what your career goals. A Degree in American Studies is excellent for those pursuing related career fields (such as the Arts and Social Sciences) and even those not-so-closely related career fields (such as the Physical Sciences). Being an American and/or living in America, this degree is perfect for everybody!
Ready to start your Degree in American Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:
- Oklahoma State University– Offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in American Studies.
- Stetson University Deland– Offers a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. Stetson is a Yellow Ribbon school.
*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.
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