American Studies

Careers in American Studies can be found in many disciplines including: literature, art, religion, music, education, government, sociology, gender studies, history, and anthropology. Teachers, researchers, and museum curators often have Bachelors’, Masters’ or Doctorates in American Studies.

Programs of study include course work in everything from how America’s wars and conflicts shaped the United States, politically, geographically, economically, and culturally.

Success in this profession is usually driven by a passion for the subject of American History and the desire to share this knowledge with others. Skills in reading, researching, and public speaking are important to successful teaching careers while at the university level public service, publishing new research and writing are often requirements for tenure.

Common professionals for those who obtain formal education in American Studies include teachers, researchers, librarians, museum curators, or University Professors. Salaries vary widely depending on the institution one works at and vary from US Government teachers to Doctors of American Studies teaching at a college level. Teachers at public schools in the US make an average of $43,000* annually where university professors can make up to $75,000.