College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > American Studies > Undergraduate > American Studies (BA)

American Studies (BA)

American Studies majors will examine the breadth and diversity of the American experience. American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that integrates the study of literature, history, geography, media, politics, popular culture, art and religion in order to critically analyze American society, culture, institutions and intellectual traditions.

As an American Studies major, you’ll be encouraged to question what constitutes American culture, and how cultural expressions reflect and reveal American values, beliefs, prejudices, pleasures and perceptions.

American Studies majors will gain competency in American cultural studies by mastering the theoretical and intellectual frameworks of their concentrations and by learning to interpret and analyze primary documents. Students in other interdisciplinary programs find American Studies a common double major or minor when combined with majors such as history, communication, anthropology, English, political science or sociology.

Classes

Coursework

  • The American Experience
  • Urban Politics
  • Race and Ethnic Relations
  • The Material Culture of Modern America
  • Archeology of Cities
  • American Economic History
  • Urban Planning
  • American Popular Culture
  • Journalism Law and Ethics

Concentrations/Tracks

  • Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies
  • Material Culture and the Built Environment
  • Politics, Institutions and Values
  • Popular Culture and Media Studies
  • Social and Literary Movements

Career Options

Common Career Areas

  • Public policy
  • Social service
  • Political work
  • Education
  • Historic preservation
  • Art conservation
  • Governmental work
  • Urban planning/development
  • Community leadership
More career info

93%

of American Studies graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.

Content displayed from this DePaul University page.

Get more information

Complete the form below to receive more information about this degree program.

If the form fails to load or displays incorrectly, please fill out an alternate form.

Loading...