BA in American Studies

BA in American Studies

Undergraduates interested in exploring American culture and society have multiple options for developing a flexible, interdisciplinary, student-centered curriculum. American Studies is a smaller major within our large university, offering a personalized and interdisciplinary plan of study that is customized for each student. While earning a BA or minor in American Studies, students develop the skills and foundational knowledge needed to pursue careers in journalism, education, public humanities, law, communications, business, and other fields.

Concentrators work with renowned and wide-ranging faculty located across many departments and schools, including English, History, African-American Studies, Sociology, Archeology, the School of Communications, Musicology, Art History, Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, Religion, Material Culture, and Film & TV Studies. They work closely with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to tailor their own interdisciplinary course of study. Students may focus on traditional topics like American literature, history, art, or architecture, or develop an interdisciplinary focus on Transnational Studies, Queer Studies, Media Studies, Asian-American Studies, Indigenous studies, or Ethnic Studies.

The major has been designed with maximum flexibility so students can pursue their own interests. Its flexibility also makes it very easy to double-major, as many of American Studies students choose to do.

Starting in 2025, we have begun to suggest pathways through the major in Ethnic Studies, Material Culture, and Native American and Indigenous Studies — see here.

Requirements for a BA in American Studies

A major in American Studies requires the completion of 10 four-credit courses, approved by the program, with a grade of C or higher in each course. To complete this major, students must fulfill the following requirements:

All majors must take:

• CAS AM 200: Introduction to American Studies
• One CAS AM course at the 200 level or above
• Five courses on American topics chosen with the advice of the Director of Undergraduate Studies
• Two courses on the art, history, politics, or culture of another region or country
• A capstone course which includes original research

Requirements for a Minor in American Studies

A minor in American Studies offers undergraduates an opportunity to develop a structured, yet flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum in American culture and society. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses taken toward the minor.

The minor consists of six 4-credit courses, which include:

• CAS AM 200: Introduction to American Studies
• One CAS AM course at the 200 level or above
• Three courses on American topics chosen with the advice of the Director of Undergraduate Studies
• A capstone course which includes original research.

Suggested Pathways through the American Studies Major

American Studies is the one of the most flexible concentrations in the College of Arts and Sciences. Starting this year, we have begun to suggest specific pathways through the major or minor, drawn on the strengths of our Affiliated Faculty. These include:

• Ethnic Studies
• Material Culture
• Native American and Indigenous Studies

For a list of suggested courses that might fulfill these pathways, click here.

These pathways are just suggestions: we encourage everyone to create their own pathway!

If you are interested in a BA or a Minor in American Studies, please contact the American Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies, Mary Battenfeld (mbatten@bu.edu)