In American Studies, you’ll embark on an interdisciplinary study of the themes, trends and patterns that characterize the American past and present. You’ll use multiple perspectives and methodologies, learn to synthesize knowledge and develop the critical thinking skills needed for rigorous, complex analysis. American Studies majors have the flexibility to define their own area of concentration, such as visual studies, cultural studies, race and ethnicity, legal and constitutional studies, the American environment, American capitalism or class and social structure.
Requirements
Want to start right away? Here are some basic requirements for students wanting to major in American studies. Keep in mind this isn’t the complete list of formal requirement — that list can be found on the Courses of Study page.
As an American Studies major, you will take a total of 12 courses selected from the American Studies roster.
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At least three of the twelve courses must have a substantial focus on material before 1900
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At least two must deal with American diversity
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At least one must be a 4000 level seminar, either an American Studies 4300 course or an appropriate substitute seminar at the 4000 level.
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You’ll define your area of concentration and complete six courses in that area.
Sample classes
- American Capitalism
- Popular Culture in the United States, 1950 to the Present
- Photography and the American Dream
- U.S. Immigration Narratives
Outcomes
All information below is based on the 2014-2018 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive, rather they are a sampling of the data.
"Other" includes time off, travel, volunteer experiences, and/or preparing for graduate school.
If you would like to more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu
More than 3/4 of 2014-2018 American Studies graduates reported being Employed or Attending Graduate School, with the majority being Employed.
59% of the Class of 2014-2018 American Studies graduates completed the survey. n = 35
Below, you will find:
- Top Employment Sectors
- Where Graduates Work
- Top Graduate Fields
- Where Graduates Study
Top Employment Sectors
- Other Nonprofit Organization
- Education
- Retail
- Communications/Media
- Technology
- Law
- Consulting/Prof. Practice
- Human Healthcare Services
- Financial Services
- Hospitality
Where 2014-2018 American Studies Graduates Work
| Employer | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Bloomingdale's | Omni Junior Merchant |
| Burger King Corporation | Leadership Development Trainee |
| Catholic Charities | Universal Pre-K Teacher Assistant |
| Citi | Cards Analyst |
| Cravath, Swaine, & Moore LLP | Litigation Legal Assistant |
| Dermatology STL | Doctor's Assistant |
| Firstline Schools | Communication Fellow |
| IBM |
Client Relationship Representative |
| ideas42 | Associate |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Physician's Office Assistant |
| Motus LLC | Analyst |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Press Office Intern |
| Ogilvy & Mather | Associate Training Program |
| Paul Weiss | Litigation Paralegal |
| Politics and PRose | Bookseller |
| Roundabour Theatre Company | Management Apprentice |
| Shore Fire Media | Publicity Coordinator |
| Stetson Powell Orthopedics | Pre-Med Intern |
| Teach for America | Teacher (2) |
| TransPerfect | Project Coordinator |
| Yelp | Associate Account Executive |
Top Graduate Fields Pursued
- Law
- Chicana/o Studies
Graduate Degrees Pursued
- PhD
- JD
Where 2014-2018 American Studies Graduates Study
- Duke University
- Northwestern University
- University of California-Los Angeles
