Career Options

Studying in the American studies major, you will engage contemporary questions about American culture in their historical and global contexts. You will examine these complex issues and processes through a variety of media-film, music, literature, history, politics and art. We are convinced that equipping you to navigate a global world means teaching the skills needed to reflect deeply on the complex relations among culture, environment, diversity, equity and democracy. This kind of skillful thinking is more important today than ever before.

Degree: B.A./B.S. in American Studies

 

Career planning resources

What Can I Do with a Major in American Studies?

(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

(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
  • Climate Change Alliance Support, London Borough of Camden
  • 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

  • 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

 

Job Search

In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in American studies. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.

 

Graduate School

In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in American studies.

 

Professional Associations

Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities.

 

Additional Resources