Why Major in American Studies?
by Robyn Tellefsen
American studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines American culture and society from the Colonial era to present day. An American studies degree program focuses on the nature of the American character and American ideas and institutions.
What will I learn in an American studies degree program?
When you major in American studies, you will learn about what motivates Americans, how they think, and how they live. You will be exposed to a wide variety of thinking and scholarship in art, folklore, literature, music, religion, politics, social and economic history, and more. You will hone your ability to do research and communicate your findings to others. Above all, an American studies degree program encourages critical and creative thinking so you can draw connections and build bridges between diverse aspects of the American experience, past and present.
In preparation for historian careers in particular, American studies degree programs provide students with the tools to research, analyze, and interpret the past. Historians use many sources of information in their research, including government and institutional records, interviews, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters.
What can I do with an American studies major?
An American studies major is versatile and helps you develop skills that are useful in any career. American studies degree holders may pursue careers in a variety of areas, including business, education, government, and the nonprofit sector.
Specific jobs for American studies grads to consider include legal assistant, advertising executive, analyst, journalist, archivist, broadcaster, lobbyist, campaign worker, consultant, foundation staffer, editor, historian, intelligence agent, personnel manager, congressional aide, public relations staffer, researcher, information specialist, teacher, foreign service officer, and more.
How is the job market for American studies majors?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of historians is projected to increase 8 percent between 2006 and 2016. In May 2006, historians had median annual wage-and-salary earnings of $48,520. Because of the increase in public interest in preserving and restoring historical sites, historians may find opportunities with historic preservation societies or working as consultants.
For those who wish to pursue an advanced American studies degree, there's good news from the field. The American Historical Association (AHA) projects that 940 new history Ph.D.s will have been awarded in 2007, while the number of history jobs listed in "Perspectives," an AHA publication, is expected to be steady at about 1,030.
Explore American studies degree programs, and let the past inform your future.
What will I learn in an American studies degree program?
When you major in American studies, you will learn about what motivates Americans, how they think, and how they live. You will be exposed to a wide variety of thinking and scholarship in art, folklore, literature, music, religion, politics, social and economic history, and more. You will hone your ability to do research and communicate your findings to others. Above all, an American studies degree program encourages critical and creative thinking so you can draw connections and build bridges between diverse aspects of the American experience, past and present.
In preparation for historian careers in particular, American studies degree programs provide students with the tools to research, analyze, and interpret the past. Historians use many sources of information in their research, including government and institutional records, interviews, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters.
What can I do with an American studies major?
An American studies major is versatile and helps you develop skills that are useful in any career. American studies degree holders may pursue careers in a variety of areas, including business, education, government, and the nonprofit sector.
Specific jobs for American studies grads to consider include legal assistant, advertising executive, analyst, journalist, archivist, broadcaster, lobbyist, campaign worker, consultant, foundation staffer, editor, historian, intelligence agent, personnel manager, congressional aide, public relations staffer, researcher, information specialist, teacher, foreign service officer, and more.
How is the job market for American studies majors?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of historians is projected to increase 8 percent between 2006 and 2016. In May 2006, historians had median annual wage-and-salary earnings of $48,520. Because of the increase in public interest in preserving and restoring historical sites, historians may find opportunities with historic preservation societies or working as consultants.
For those who wish to pursue an advanced American studies degree, there's good news from the field. The American Historical Association (AHA) projects that 940 new history Ph.D.s will have been awarded in 2007, while the number of history jobs listed in "Perspectives," an AHA publication, is expected to be steady at about 1,030.
Explore American studies degree programs, and let the past inform your future.
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Delicious
Tweet This!Sound Off! Post Your Comments
You are not currently logged on. Please login to add a comment.
Request Free Information
on Colleges Near You
Find