Program Overview

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Social and Cultural Analysis (American Studies), BA

The Bachelor of Arts program in social and cultural analysis with a concentration in American studies engages in the transdisciplinary and comparative study of the United States as a cultural and political site of ongoing change and conflict.

Program Description

Students 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.

At a Glance

• College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Location: West Valley
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad enables students in the social and cultural analysis program to understand the United States in a global context.

Career Opportunities

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

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.

Career	Growth	Median salary
Archivist	3.8%	$61,570
Communications Specialist	3.6%	$72,270
Cultural Studies Professor	2.4%	$84,290
Editor	0.6%	$75,260
History Professor	-0.2%	$81,500
Lawyer	4.1%	$151,160
Political Analyst	-3.1%	$139,380
Political Science Professor	2.0%	$94,680

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years. 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.

Concurrent Programs

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. Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.

Joint Programs

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.

New Programs

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.

Online Programs

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.