American Studies

Examine America in a global context. Engage. Create. Transform.

Program Details
Courses
Careers

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Honors Bachelor of Arts
Honors Bachelor of Science

College
College of Liberal Arts

Catalog Link
American Studies

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Offered exclusively at OSU-Cascades, the interdisciplinary American Studies program examines U.S. culture, history and identity through courses in ethnic studies, environmental literature, cultural analysis and creative writing. Using a transnational lens, students explore topics including Indigenous perspectives, migration, global movements and environmental justice while developing strong critical thinking, research and communication skills.

Tell a Human Story

Examine how culture, policy and identity impact people and communities.

2 people at table with-a lightbulb above them

Prepare for Law School

Develop critical thinking, research and communication skills for careers in law, policy and public service.

Hear from Diverse Experts

Learn from guest speakers including authors, artists and scholars from around the world.

Program Details

Degree Requirements

A total of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate, including 60 upper-division credits. Requirements include:

OSU Core Education
College of Liberal Arts Core
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science requirements
American Studies major requirements
Electives as needed for 180 credits

Degree Guide and Plans

B.A./B.S. in American Studies - Major Requirements

American Studies Sample Plan

American Studies Transfer Guides

American Studies transfer guides provide students with courses they can take at an Oregon Community College to complete major requirements.

Using the following course forecast information students will plan ahead and work with their advisor to create and update academic plans.

College of Liberal Arts Course Guide - CLA Core planning

OSU Course Catalog

OSU Class Search

American Studies Courses
Offered at OSU Cascades

Once you complete this program, discover all the learning outcomes you'll achieve.

Learning outcomes

The American Studies degree program is an excellent undergraduate pathway to various careers in legal studies or politics. The program provides a key knowledge base for students who wish to apply to law school.

There are a variety of resources and opportunities for students considering a career in law. Students at OSU-Cascades work with their major advisor in partnership with the OSU Pre-Law Advisor, and the OSU-Cascades Career Development Center to create their plans and pathway to apply to law school.

Choosing a Law School
- American Bar Association – Approved Law Schools
- Law School Admissions Council – How to find the Right School
Choosing a Type of Law Program
- The most common Law Program students pursue is a Juris Doctorate (JD) however, there are other programs that students may be interested based on their career and practice goals.
- Choosing a Law Program
Applying to Law-School
General Resources for Pre-Law Students
- LSAT
- CAS - Credential Assembly Service
- OSU Pre-Law Society

View the Faculty

Careers

What comes after graduation?

American Studies graduates are prepared to think critically, communicate effectively and navigate complex social and cultural issues. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree opens pathways into careers in law, public policy, education, journalism, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, communications and beyond.

(Some occupations may require further education/licensure)

Archivist
Community Educator
Content Manager
Curator
Editor
Education Director
Filmmaker
Foreign Service Officer
Freelance Writer
Fund Raiser
Grant Writer
Historian
Historical Consultant
Interpreter
Journalist
Lawyer
Librarian
Litigator
Lobbyist
Mediator
Paralegal
Policy Analyst
Politician
Professor
Public Relations Director
Publisher
Records Manager
Reporter
Researcher
Teacher
Urban/Regional Planner
Volunteer Coordinator
Writer

What Can I Do with a Major in American Studies?

Career planning resources

(Data obtained from LinkedIn)

Senior Contract Specialist, Apria Healthcare
Business Assistant, Benton County
Web Content Manager, City of Vancouver Washington
Curator of African American Collections, Emory University
Teacher, Hillsboro School District
Narrative Designer/Writer, Irresponsible Games
Learning Systems Manager, Multnomah County Library
Director of Accountability, Omnicom MediaGroup
Attorney, Perkins Coie LLP
Research Manager, Pew Charitable Trusts
Chief Executive Officer, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
Research Associate, SMATE
Assistant Professor of American Studies, University of Maine
Deschutes Defenders

Bend Bulletin
Central Oregon Social Justice Center
The Environmental Center
Laboratory for American Conversation
Latino Community Association
Local Law Firms
Sisters Park and Recreation
The Source Weekly
St. Vincent De Paul
USFS-Discover Your Forest

151

average annual salary

Lawyer, Bureau of Labor Statistics

projected growth

Lawyer, Bureau of Labor Statistics

employed or in graduate school or military within 6 mo.

OSU-Cascades-wide

Courses

What types of classes will I attend?

A Cultural History of American Art and Literature
Intro to U.S. Government
Intro to Sociology
Studies in Nonfiction
Political Thought
American Literature, Culture, the Environment
Ethnography
Native American Literature
Modern Political Thought
Environmental Law and Politics

Course listing

A strong foundation for your future

The skills you’ll learn will help you navigate our information society and issues about equity, the natural environment and cultural diversity — and even spark new thinking and practices. Our alumni have gone on to work in business, education, the arts, law, medicine and politics — and pursued graduate programs in teaching, writing and other fields.

Alumni Spotlight

Considering law school?

After seeing families lose everything during the Great Recession, Andrew Ince set out to be the best attorney money could buy — for those who couldn't afford it. He earned a degree in American studies from OSU-Cascades and continued on to law school. He now works as an attorney in Bend. Many of our students plan to apply for law school after graduating and American studies is a great place to start.

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We're here to help! Future students can connect with an OSU-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.