Social and Cultural Analysis (American Studies), BA
Evaluate complex issues, conduct research and interpret cultural trends while sharpening how you communicate ideas. Grow analytical, communication and cultural competency skills valued in public service, education, law, media and advocacy.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Social and Cultural Analysis (American Studies) degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in social and cultural analysis with a concentration in American studies, you engage in the transdisciplinary and comparative study of the United States as a cultural and political site of ongoing change and conflict.
You learn diverse methods of analyzing nationalist politics, public and private cultural practices, transnationalism and the nation-making processes of migration. The curriculum also brings attention to identity formations around gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity.
As a transdisciplinary field, American studies unites the social sciences, the humanities and the arts to encourage you to engage in rigorous and adventurous conversations about American culture, politics and history. You explore knowledge beyond disciplinary boundaries by bringing differing perspectives and understandings into dialogue with one another and generating intellectual rigor and excitement.
Why specialize in American studies at ASU?
This concentration is built within New College's social and cultural analysis framework, weaving together perspectives from history, cultural studies, sociology, political science, ethnic studies, gender studies and peace studies so you can examine society from many angles at once.
Additional details
Put these methods into practice in the West Valley Voices: Oral History, Storytelling and Ethnography Lab.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| AMS 201 Introduction to American Studies |
| HRC 200 Introduction to Social and Cultural Analysis |
| HRC 310 Social and Cultural Analysis: Method and Theory |
| HRC 480 Capstone: Practices and Approaches |
| AMS 326 Popular Culture |
| AMS 276 U.S. Women's Movements |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad enables students in the social and cultural analysis program to understand the United States in a global context.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archivist | 3.4% | $64,550 | Learn more |
| Communications Specialist | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Cultural Studies Professor | 2.7% | $85,020 | Learn more |
| Editor | -1.1% | $77,920 | Learn more |
| History Professor | 0.0% | $83,820 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Political Analyst | -2.0% | $142,080 | Learn more |
| Political Science Professor | 2.5% | $98,070 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this American studies concentration prepares you for
Because of the emphasis on culture and identity, students develop respect for and sensitivity to diverse populations. Graduates of this program are prepared for graduate study and for careers in government, education, business and the nonprofit sector. Skills and knowledge acquired in the program enable graduates to flourish in areas as varied as:
- civil rights organizations
- colleges and universities
- corporations
- government agencies
- law firms
- libraries
- museums
- political action groups
- public relations firms
- social service agencies
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
|
FAB N101
HARCSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
