American Studies Degrees for Military & Veterans

According to Dickinson College, an American Studies degree offers "a broad understanding of the American history" with coursework focused on helping students "think analytically and systematically about American structures and institutions, and the representation of various cultural groups in art, literature, and popular culture."

This degree is also concerned with "drawing together different strands of the American experience, American Studies majors have pursued careers in public service, politics, law, education, business, and media and journalism."

American Studies is a 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 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

Getting a Degree in American Studies

Your journey toward a degree in American Studies can include Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Certificate programs are also available, although they are less common.

GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program options to Earn a Degree in American Studies

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

There is also assistance available for military spouses who require scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Military spouses seeking portable careers should inquire about MyCAA options associated with American Studies degree programs.

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 with an Associate's 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 with 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. They 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.

Ready to start your Degree in American Studies?

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.

Built Exclusively for the Military

Search Yellow Ribbon Schools

Find GI Bill® Approved Programs

San Francisco State University

University of New Hampshire-Durham

Clarkson University

University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Idaho State University

University of Mississippi

Florida State University

Georgetown University

George Washington University

University of Delaware

Yale University

University of Connecticut

University of Southern Maine

Western Connecticut State University

University of Arkansas

University of Miami

University of California Los Angeles

College of the Redwoods

Bard College at Simon's Rock