American Studies
Bachelor of Arts
America is a country, an idea, a myth, and a symbol to the world — a grand experiment in democratic principles and cultural complexity.
The best way to tackle this rich, multifaceted, and vast subject is through the many-sided prism of multiple disciplines — history, the humanities, and the social sciences. The American presidency, U.S. constitutional history, the Vietnam War, and American art and literature are just a few of the courses you can choose. Your senior seminar offers an immersive experience in a period or theme of your choice (such as the Gilded Age, the Reform Movement, or the 1960s) for a thesis paper and oral presentation.
Highlights
To teach, choose to add inclusive education for three teaching certifications
Benefit from the emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation skills
Study abroad options include spring break in Hungary during its America Week conference
Multidisciplinary approach includes historical, cultural, psychological, economic, social, and religious perspectives
Career Paths
- Historian
- Journalist, writer, or editor
- American history teacher
- Government administrator
- Museum educator
- Lawyer
- Urban planner
Career Experience
89% of Nazareth's class of 2024 completed a form of career experience (internship, teaching practicum, field experience, or clinical work) during their time at Nazareth.
Graduate School
After graduation, continue your professional advancement at Nazareth and earn a master's degree: Master of Art in American Studies »
99%
of new Nazareth grads are employed or in grad school within six months of graduation
1,631
high-impact experiential learning experiences completed by the undergraduate class of 2024
$4,000
Our SPARK Grant provides up to $4,000 for you to pursue internships, research, and study abroad. SPARK details »
Gain Perspective from Abroad
Nazareth also offers a master's in American studies, with a study abroad opportunity at the Institute for English and American Studies at the University of Pannonia in Veszprém, Hungary.
Want to teach?
For elementary school (birth to grade 6): You can double major in American studies and in inclusive early childhood/childhood education, for a curriculum that includes both American studies and teaching younger children, preparing you to get teaching certification.
Program Director
Alumni Spotlight
“The American Studies minor at Nazareth bolstered my liberal arts experience. From a young age, I have been enthralled by American history. Approaching the study of America from different disciplines, including philosophy, literature, and political science, expanded my never-ending quest to understand the American experiment.
"As I embark on a career in higher education, the skills acquired through analyzing daily readings, writing numerous essays, and engaging in countless class discussions continue to serve me well.”
— Griffin Bond ’25, admissions counselor for first-year students at Nazareth University