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

Potential Career Options in American Studies

Use the career planning resources to learn about the potential career options below.
(some occupations may require further education/licensure)
OSU College of Liberal Arts Career Services 
  • 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

Where are OSU American Studies alumni working?

(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

Where have OSU-Cascades students participated in experiential learning (internships/research/etc.)?

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

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.

Contact Career Development Center