Program Overview
American Studies Program
The American Studies program at Cornell University offers an interdisciplinary study of the themes, trends, and patterns that characterize the American past and present. Students will use multiple perspectives and methodologies, learn to synthesize knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills needed for rigorous, complex analysis.
Program Description
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
- Class and social structure
Requirements
As an American Studies major, students will take a total of 12 courses selected from the American Studies roster, including:
- At least three courses with a substantial focus on material before 1900
- At least two courses dealing with American diversity
- At least one 4000-level seminar, either an American Studies 4300 course or an appropriate substitute seminar at the 4000 level
- Six courses in a defined area of concentration
Sample Classes
Some sample classes in the American Studies program include:
- American Capitalism
- Popular Culture in the United States, 1950 to the Present
- Photography and the American Dream
- U.S. Immigration Narratives
Outcomes
Based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey, American Studies graduates have pursued various paths, including:
- Graduate school: 25% of graduates pursued advanced degrees, with 29% focusing on law, 21% on MA, 21% on PhD, and more
- Employment: 66% of graduates secured employment, with the majority entering sectors in education (16%) and communications/media (14%)
Employment Opportunities
Some of the top employers of American Studies graduates in 2022 included:
- Amazon
- Bloomberg
- CBS News
- Morgan Stanley
- Politics and Prose
- Teach for America
Job Titles
Some job titles held by American Studies graduates include:
- Product Marketing Specialist
- Financial Product Analyst
- Broadcast Associate
- Human Resources Analyst
- Bookseller
- Corps Member
Associated Interests
The American Studies program is associated with various interests, including:
- Communication and Media
- Environment and Sustainability
- Geography
- International relations
- Language and culture
- Modern history
- Politics
- Public policy
- Social justice
Related Disciplines
The American Studies program is related to the Social Sciences discipline.