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College of Arts & Sciences

American Studies

Unveiling America's Past, Present, and Future

The American Studies major is the perfect blend of History and English that will allow you to think critically and make comparisons between the past and the present. The program takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to the meaning and nature of culture in the United States. Literature is the core of the program, but you will position your literary study in a comparative analysis of visual media and history to supplement your understanding of the relationship between cultural expressions and their context in social, political, and economic change.

Why Choose American Studies?

Combining a specialization in American culture with emphasis on critical reading, writing, and thinking throughout the course of study offers you a unique perspective in the study of history through literature. If you are interested in a career specifically focused on American literature or culture, you will be able to present yourself as a specialist in the field. Not only will you discover a more detailed understanding of our society, you will be able to consider the implications of past events in the shaping of our culture today.

1000+ internship sponsorships
98% Class of ’22 employed/attending graduate or professional school within 6 months of graduation

What Will You Study?

The curriculum crosses boundaries from American literature (including major African American and ethnic authors), to American history, film, and other visual media. It includes an in-depth study of the major texts in American Literature, as well as courses from the University’s programs in History, Communication, and Film and Media Studies.

Unique Learning Opportunities

American Studies Internships

Internships and Fieldwork

As an American Studies student, you'll gain professional skills and experience through internships, fieldwork, or student teaching. These experiential learning opportunities will allow you to take a test drive of your future career in a practical setting. Our students have interned and written for the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Springfield's The Republican, Bleacher Report, FamilyFun, and BusinessWest. Others have worked at Baystate and Mercy Medical Centers in public relations and fundraising, at ESPN, The United Way, and for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad: Become a Global Citizen

Today’s workforce needs professionals who see the big picture. The College of Arts and Sciences will help you to become a student of world cultures and histories as they relate to your studies while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.

Study Abroad

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