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American Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in American Studies 

Explore the major forces and ideas that have shaped the United States over centuries with the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. American Studies focuses on an understanding of the evolving values and politics of U.S. culture through a variety of lenses. Examine the cultural impact of domestic and foreign wars, political movements, popular art, and technological advancements throughout American history.Ìý

Learn to view—with a critical eye—the national myths and everyday realities that affect the lives and experiences of Americans. This 123-credit undergraduate degree program emphasizes reading, writing and analysis as it delves into themes and concepts central to American culture. These themes include  

  • architecture and city planning,
  • class experience,
  • gender paradigms,
  • immigration and the immigrant experience,
  • labor and mobility,
  • media and popular culture,
  • politics and political action,
  • race and ethnicity,
  • social change,
  • technology, and
  • war.

You’ll analyze the patterns and connections of U.S. life inside and outside of the classroom, through established internships, as well as hands-on learning opportunities at various cultural institutions in the Greater Philadelphia region.

American Studies majors often advance to graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences, law school or medical school. They pursue careers in business, library science, education, media, museums, nonprofit organizations and social services.

Minor in American Studies

The American Studies minor is particularly useful for students majoring in journalism, business, education and other fields served by creative thinking. To satisfy the requirements of the minor, students take six courses in American Studies. .

Classes & Curriculum

The American Studies Major can be completed over four years of full-time studies. Courses offered in this program include the following.

  • American Military Culture
  • American Place: Home, City, Region
  • First Person America
  • Literature and Political Change
  • The American Woman: Visions and Revisions
  • The Arts in America
  • The Making of American Society: Melting Pot or Culture War?
  • Technology and American Culture

Students in their final year must satisfy a capstone requirement with the Senior Seminar in American Studies course. .

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Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

If you have questions regarding the American Studies Major, please contact the following staff members.

Petra Goedde is the chair of the American Studies Department.
Email:

The following staff members lead the American Studies Department.

Peter Lavelle is the director of undergraduate studies in the College of Liberal Arts.
Email:

Vangeline Campbell is a coordinator in the American Studies Department.
Phone: 215-204-7839 
Email:

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. .

Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information