Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
September 26, 2026 2026-09-26 9:20Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
An interdisciplinary program that examines the historical development, political institutions, cultural traditions, economic systems, literature, social movements, and global influence of the United States. Drawing upon the humanities and social sciences, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the ideas, institutions, and diverse experiences that have shaped American society from its founding to the contemporary era.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Studies
US$ 7,360
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3–4 Years
9–12 Months
3 Credit Hours
US$ 7,360
Examine the Ideas, Institutions, and Experiences That Shaped America
An interdisciplinary program drawing upon the humanities and social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of American society from its founding to the contemporary era.
The Bachelor of Arts in American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the historical development, political institutions, cultural traditions, economic systems, literature, social movements, and global influence of the United States. Drawing upon the humanities and social sciences, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the ideas, institutions, and diverse experiences that have shaped American society from its founding to the contemporary era.
Students explore American history, government, constitutional development, economics, literature, sociology, philosophy, media studies, international relations, and public policy while developing advanced analytical, research, communication, and critical thinking skills. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students examine the complexities of American democracy, cultural diversity, civic engagement, globalization, and the nation's evolving role in world affairs.
The program prepares graduates for professional careers in government, diplomacy, education, journalism, public policy, nonprofit organizations, communications, research, international affairs, and business. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in American Studies, History, Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, Law, Journalism, and related disciplines.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Studies
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3 Credit Hours per Course
US$ 7,360
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees
Required Major Courses
The major consists of interdisciplinary coursework in American history, government, politics, economics, literature, culture, public policy, research, and contemporary issues. Students also complete the University's General Education requirements together with approved elective coursework.
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BAMS 3000 | Introduction to American Studies | 3 |
| HIS 3010 | United States History I | 3 |
| HIS 3020 | United States History II | 3 |
| POL 3030 | American Government and Constitutional Development | 3 |
| BAMS 3040 | American Political Thought | 3 |
| BAMS 3050 | American Society and Culture | 3 |
| BAMS 3060 | American Literature and Intellectual Traditions | 3 |
| ECO 3070 | The American Economy | 3 |
| BAMS 3080 | American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| BAMS 3090 | Media, Society, and Public Opinion | 3 |
| BAMS 3100 | Civil Rights and Social Movements | 3 |
| BAMS 3110 | Diversity and American Identity | 3 |
| RES 3120 | Research Methods in American Studies | 4 |
| BAMS 3130 | Contemporary Issues in American Society | 3 |
| BAMS 4000 | Senior Seminar in American Studies | 3 |
| BAMS 4100 | Capstone Research Project | 6 |
| Total Credits | 49 | |
Course Descriptions
Select a course to view its description.
BAMS 3000 – Introduction to American Studies
Introduces the interdisciplinary study of American history, politics, literature, culture, institutions, and society while exploring the diverse ideas and experiences that have shaped the United States.
HIS 3010 – United States History I
Examines the development of the United States from the colonial period through the Civil War, emphasizing constitutional development, political institutions, territorial expansion, economic growth, and social change.
HIS 3020 – United States History II
Explores American history from Reconstruction to the present, including industrialization, immigration, reform movements, global conflicts, civil rights, globalization, and contemporary political developments.
POL 3030 – American Government and Constitutional Development
Examines the constitutional foundations, structure, and functions of the United States government, including federalism, separation of powers, elections, public policy, civil liberties, and judicial review.
BAMS 3040 – American Political Thought
Studies the political philosophies and democratic principles that have influenced American constitutionalism, liberty, equality, republicanism, and modern political discourse.
BAMS 3050 – American Society and Culture
Examines the social, cultural, religious, and intellectual development of American society with emphasis on diversity, immigration, ethnicity, regional identity, religion, and popular culture.
BAMS 3060 – American Literature and Intellectual Traditions
Introduces significant works of American literature while examining their historical, philosophical, cultural, and social contexts.
ECO 3070 – The American Economy
Examines the evolution of the American economic system, including capitalism, entrepreneurship, labor markets, innovation, globalization, fiscal policy, and economic development.
BAMS 3080 – American Foreign Policy
Explores the historical development and contemporary practice of United States foreign policy, including diplomacy, international organizations, national security, international trade, and global leadership.
BAMS 3090 – Media, Society, and Public Opinion
Examines the influence of traditional and digital media on politics, public discourse, democratic participation, political communication, and public opinion.
BAMS 3100 – Civil Rights and Social Movements
Studies major political and social reform movements, including abolition, women's suffrage, labor reform, civil rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and contemporary social justice movements.
BAMS 3110 – Diversity and American Identity
Examines the multicultural foundations of the United States through the historical experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, immigrants, and other diverse communities.
RES 3120 – Research Methods in American Studies
Introduces interdisciplinary research design, historical inquiry, qualitative analysis, archival research, academic writing, scholarly documentation, and ethical research practices.
BAMS 3130 – Contemporary Issues in American Society
Examines current political, economic, social, technological, environmental, educational, and global issues influencing American society and public policy.
BAMS 4000 – Senior Seminar in American Studies
Provides advanced interdisciplinary study of major debates within American Studies through scholarly readings, seminar discussions, independent research, and professional presentations.
BAMS 4100 – Capstone Research Project
Serves as the culminating academic experience requiring students to complete an original interdisciplinary research project demonstrating scholarly writing, analytical reasoning, and integration of knowledge acquired throughout the program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers in government, diplomacy, education, journalism, public policy, nonprofit organizations, communications, research, international affairs, and business.
Employment Sectors
Graduates are employed across government, international organizations, education, media, research, nonprofit, and private industry sectors.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, graduates will be able to:
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