American Studies (AMSTD)

Click here for program requirements as listed in Penn State's Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

American Studies is an interdisciplinary major that explores the patterns of life and thought of the American peoples, past and present. Its courses are grouped into three general areas of history, society, and culture, and it has special offerings in public history, material culture, and cultural history. The program encourages students to integrate theories, methods, and findings from various fields, including history, literature, folklore, ethnography, politics, art, architecture, and music. It also encourages applications of this knowledge to public history and cultural conservation, also known as “public heritage” work. The major helps students prepare for further study or careers in education, government, communication, law, museums, historical and cultural agencies, and archives. Internships are available for qualified students in American Studies. The internship is an extension of the student’s academic studies and is an opportunity to gain practical experience.

For a B. HUM. degree in American Studies, a minimum of 120 credits is required.

Opportunities in American Studies

Career Opportunities

The American Studies program provides students interested in American culture and history the opportunity to apply this background to a variety of professions in many career settings. Graduates of the American Studies program may prepare for careers in museums, government, law, communications, or education. Many business organizations have positions requiring American Studies backgrounds for public relations, art management, and tourism. Communications fields are another example of potential opportunity. Many graduates continue their education in the areas of American Studies, Communications, History, Humanities, Law, and Public Administration.

Internships

Students are encouraged to take advantage of internships and volunteer opportunities that could strengthen job potential. American Studies internships provide opportunities for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a typical workplace. Internships can be approved for a varying amount of credits based on the number and sophistication of the tasks a student will perform, the extent to which the internship will foster independent effort, and the specific outcomes of the experience. Prospective interns should consult with their adviser about internship opportunities and apply 3 to 6 months before they expect to participate. Additional information can be obtained from the School of Humanities.

Job Settings

A graduate of American Studies can explore opportunities within Archives, Art Museums, Art Management, Business, Cultural Organizations, Discovery Museums, Living History Museums, Galleries, Government, Historical Societies, Historical Publications, Law, Magazine Publishing or Writing, National Parks, Natural History Museums, Planetariums, Radio, Retail, Schools, Science Centers, Television, Tourism, and Universities.

Job Title

The following are some examples of common job titles for American Studies graduates: Archeologist, Business Affairs Director, Collections Manager, Curator, Development Director, Editor, Educational Programs Director, Exhibit Personnel, Historian, Membership Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, Producer, Salesperson, Script Writer, Teacher, Training Coordinator, Visitor Services Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Youth Programs Manager.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, employment for graduates with an American Studies background is expected to increase at an average pace through 2008. Competition for jobs as archivists, curators, and museum technicians and other service positions within these areas is expected to be keen. Employment in related career areas such as public relations, sales, and marketing will be increasing at a higher rate.