American Studies, Minor
Discover how history, politics and culture shape the world you live in today. Explore the stories and voices that make up the American experience, including those that are often overlooked, to better understand what truly brings communities together.
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
American Studies minor description
The minor program in American studies helps you analyze American history, literature, politics and culture, enabling you to better understand the nation's evolving identity. Drawing on interdisciplinary approaches, it encourages critical thinking and cultural literacy --- skills that are relevant to law, education, government, media and other fields.
Why earn an American studies minor at ASU?
Many programs in this field focus primarily on U.S. history, political science or literature. ASU's American studies minor combines perspectives from history, culture, media, politics, race and ethnicity, social class, law and the humanities. You learn to analyze American society through multiple lenses rather than a single academic discipline.
Through the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experiences, you turn classroom learning into hands-on experience by working alongside faculty on research projects. You build career-ready skills, explore your interests, and graduate with experience that sets you apart.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in American studies consists of 18 credit hours of coursework, of which 12 hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Credit hours may not be shared between major and minor requirements. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the minor must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better. |
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AMS 201 Introduction to American Studies
(HUAD)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
HRC 200 Introduction to Social and Cultural Analysis
(CIVI)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
12 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 12 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BA in social and cultural analysis (American studies); BA in American studies
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this American studies minor prepares you for
This minor program is ideal preparation for students seeking employment in the following careers:
- archivist
- copy writer
- editor
- high school teacher
- historian
- history professor
- journalist
- lawyer
- middle school teacher
- museum curator
- political analyst
Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
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.
