American Studies, BA
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
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Math Intensity:
General
- Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
The BA program 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 students 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, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search 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 help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
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Career Outlook
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 Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
- Growth: 6.5%
- Median Salary*: 47290
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.9%
- Median Salary*: 80910
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 1.2%
- Median Salary*: 74280
Historians
- Growth: 3.1%
- Median Salary*: 64540
History Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 1.3%
- Median Salary*: 79400
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
- Growth: 3%
- Median Salary*: 61660
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Growth: 13.4%
- Median Salary*: 68230
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 0.8%
- Median Salary*: 61810
News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists
- Growth: -3.3%
- Median Salary*: 55960
Legislators
- Growth: 3.4%
- Median Salary*: 48090
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, American studies students are able to tailor their experience to their unique 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.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SSTadvising@asu.edu
- 480/965-7682