School of Interdisciplinary Studies

statue of liberty

American Studies

Uncover the stories, struggles and big ideas that shaped the U.S. as you engage with  questions that generate new understandings of what it means to be American both within the nation and on the global stage,  past and present. Build the skills to think critically, communicate clearly, and make an impact in whatever path you choose.

Founded in the 1960's, American Studies program is invested in studying the ways American culture shapes and influences the ways people live. The program provides students with opportunities to explore American culture through a diversity of ideas, texts, objects, institutions, practices, and histories, as well as the complex social and political relationships that continue to shape the evolving configurations of Americanness. Our interdisciplinary program encourages crossing disciplinary boundaries and exploring questions that generate new understandings of what it means to be American both within the nation and on the global stage.  

Why Study American Studies?

As the landscapes of American culture and society change, it is important to have an interdisciplinary perspective on these transformations.  We believe that an American Studies degree will provide you with the education to not only understand what it means to be American, but also help you build a firm foundation from which to actively contribute to ongoing change.  We offer student-centered courses invested in exploring American society and culture from multiple vantage points.  We invite you to explore our program to gain a better perspective of what American Studies is, view the work of our faculty and students, and develop a stronger sense of why an American Studies perspective is meaningful and valuable to the world in which we live.

Skill Sets:

  • Interdisciplinary Thinking and Training
  • Effective Writing Skills
  • Critical Analysis Skills
  • Research and Information Management Skills
  • Media Literacy and Cultural History
  • Creativity and Curiosity

Career Opportunities

American Studies typically employs graduates in a wide range of fields. The American Studies Association, our parent organization, includes information about careers with American Studies degrees at its website: http://www.theasa.net/resources/. 

American Studies graduates are employed across a wide spectrum, from academia to non-profit work, from media and journalism to public politics. The Purdue American Studies program boasts a high placement rate for students in a range of professions.

The majority of graduates hold tenure-track faculty positions at a wide range of universities, including Harvard, SUNY-Buffalo, University of New Orleans, Sam Houston State University and University of Wisconsin-Platteville. One distinguished Purdue alumni, Dorothy Leland, is currently President of Georgia State University. Other American Studies alumni have followed careers in media and broadcasting. 

Career Paths:

  • Education
  • Law
  • Business
  • Public Policy
  • Government
  • Communications
  • Journalism
  • Material Culture, Museum and Archival Studies
  • Public and Private Research
  • Many other positions in business/management, not necessarily related to the major but based on graduate's global awareness and broad-based liberal arts skill set.