Skip to content

Studies & Degrees in American Studies

American studies is the interdisciplinary study of the United States: its history, politics, literature, arts, media and society, and its place in the world. Wellesley College describes a field that encompasses literature, history, art history, media studies, sociology, film studies and music, among other disciplines of the humanities and social sciences. The subject is taught in the United States and in other countries, where it is also called North American studies.

Students do not follow a single discipline. They read novels and court decisions, analyse films and political speeches, and study topics such as immigration, race and ethnicity, religion, popular culture and foreign policy from several angles. The programme at Yale University, for example, covers the cultures and politics of the United States, the changing representations of national identity, and borderland and diasporic cultures. The Penn State bulletin describes American studies as examining the country's history in a way that emphasises culture: literature, art and architecture, film, folklore, music and media. Research, critical reading and writing are the main skills trained.

Qualifications and levels

  • United States. American studies is a major within a bachelor's degree, which is usually completed in four years of full-time study. At Yale University the major consists of fourteen term courses, including two junior seminars and a senior requirement. At Wellesley College, majors choose a concentration, and the department also offers minors in Asian American studies and Latina/o studies.
  • United Kingdom. The BA American Studies (with a study abroad year) of the University of Sussex takes four years full time, with a typical A-level offer of ABB-BBB. One year is spent at a partner university in North America; the university names Tulane University in New Orleans and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as examples.
  • Netherlands. The BA in American Studies of the University of Groningen lasts 36 months (180 ECTS credits) and is taught entirely in English. It covers the popular culture, politics, history, literature, economics, race relations and religions of the United States. The university states that it is the only programme of its kind in the Netherlands.
  • Spain. Official degrees consist of a bachelor's degree (grado) of 240 ECTS credits, master's degrees of 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits, and the doctorate. American studies is offered at master's level: the Master's Degree in North American Studies is an official master's degree taught by the Universidad de Alcalá and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, through the Instituto Franklin-UAH in Alcalá de Henares. It admits graduates of any discipline from any country. Teaching is in English, and CEFR level C1 is mandatory. The Instituto Franklin-UAH describes itself as the only research institute on American studies in Spain.

Many universities also combine American studies with English, history, politics or film in joint degrees, and offer research master's degrees and doctorates in the field.

Where to study American studies

SpainExchange lists 82 active schools for American studies. Most are in the United States (58), followed by the United Kingdom (10) and Spain (6). The Netherlands and Germany have two each, and Denmark, Poland, Japan and Trinidad and Tobago one each.

In the United States the list includes Yale University, Wellesley College, Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, The University of Texas at Austin and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. In the United Kingdom it includes the University of Sussex, Lancaster University, York St John University and Richmond American University London.

The programmes described here are taught in English, including the master's degree in Alcalá de Henares, so a good level of English is the main requirement for international students. Useful points to compare are the balance between history, literature and politics, whether a year or semester in North America is included, and which concentrations or joint degrees are available.

Careers

American studies does not lead to one profession. Graduates use their research, writing and analytical skills in many sectors. The University of Sussex names media and publishing, public relations and marketing, business and research, arts and events, the Civil Service and non-profit organisations. Penn State states that the major helps prepare students for careers in business, teaching and government, and for entry to law and other professional programmes. The Instituto Franklin-UAH lists sectors such as the foreign service, international organisations, NGOs, the media and cultural institutions for graduates of its master's degree. An academic career requires a doctorate.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be American to study American studies?

No. The subject is taught in several countries. The master's degree of the Universidad de Alcalá and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, for example, admits graduates of any discipline from anywhere in the world.

Is a stay in the United States part of the degree?

Sometimes. The BA American Studies (with a study abroad year) of the University of Sussex includes a year at a partner university in North America. Ask each school whether a stay abroad is included or optional.

What level of English do I need?

A high one, because the reading and writing load is heavy. The Master's Degree in North American Studies in Alcalá de Henares requires CEFR level C1.

How long does it take?

A US bachelor's degree usually takes four years. The bachelor's degree in Groningen takes three years and the Sussex degree with a year abroad takes four.