Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

For a country less than 250 years old, the United States has amazingly complex business, communications and cultural systems. Whether you’re doing business with an American company or hosting guests from another country, an understanding of traditions and expectations is essential to successful interaction.

The bachelor’s degree in American studies allows for broad study in two areas of interest, resulting in a degree customized to your interests in American history, politics or culture.

Careers in American Studies

The bachelor’s degree in American studies is an excellent preparation for law or graduate school. Graduates with degrees in American studies work in business, nonprofit organizations, media and cultural industries.

The University’s Career Center is an important resource for students pursuing post-graduation employment. Licensed counselors are available to provide strategies for mastering job interviews, writing professional cover letters and resumes and connecting with campus recruiters, among other services.

High School Preparation

Students who wish to major in American studies should complete:

  • Four units of language arts, including at least one unit of writing skills
  • Three units of a single foreign language
  • Four units of math
  • Three units of science
  • Four units of social science
  • One unit of fine arts
  • Two and a half units of general education electives

American Studies at UT Dallas

The UT Dallas program in American studies focuses on the institutions, arts, structures and social processes of the United States. It emphasizes interdisciplinary work; students choose two broad areas within which to study:

  • African American Culture
  • American Body Politics
  • American Economic System
  • American Legal System
  • American Past and Present
  • America and the World Community
  • American Business and Technology
  • American Literature and Arts
  • Gender Studies
  • Issues in Media and Communication
  • Latino/Latina Culture
  • Popular Culture

Internships and Honors

The School of Interdisciplinary Studies internship program at UT Dallas offers students the opportunity for practical experience in their field of interest while earning college credits. Internships provide:

  • Experience in a professional work environment.
  • Academic credit under faculty supervision.
  • The chance to try a career or industry before committing to a full-time employment situation.

The American studies honors program offers the opportunity for advanced scholarly work and recognition. To earn departmental honors, students must graduate with:

  • A 3.9 cumulative GPA
  • A 3.9 GPA in designated courses
  • A total of 30 hours of credit in required honors courses
  • A six-hour internship or three-hour internship with approved coursework
The University of Texas at Dallas www.utdallas.edu/enroll

School of Interdisciplinary Studies

The programs of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) provide students with a broad learning experience. Because of the individualized focus and flexibility, the program is appropriate for both students preparing to enter the workplace and those planning to continue their studies. IS students are encouraged to customize a degree plan using two or more disciplines — a combination of business and the social sciences, for example — or they can tailor degrees in American studies or gender studies around topics of interest.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts: American studies, interdisciplinary studies

Bachelor of Science: Interdisciplinary studies, healthcare studies

Master of Arts: Interdisciplinary studies

Minors Offered

If your academic focus leads you elsewhere at UT Dallas, but you would still like to pursue studies in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, the following minors are available:

  • American studies
  • Gender studies
  • Healthcare studies
  • Exercise science
  • Environmental science

Additional Facts

  • The University’s Teacher Development Center (TDC) is housed in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and provides rigorous, university-based coursework with extensive field experience, including student teaching or a supervised postbaccalaureate internship for students interested in making teaching or school administration their career. The TDC offers teacher certification options for both undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students.
  • The University’s Academic Bridge Program, for which the school is responsible, assists high-potential students who may not have completed a college-track high school curriculum to transition to the academically rigorous environment of UT Dallas.
  • Jumpstart at UT Dallas, also administered by the school, pairs college volunteers with day care facilities in distressed neighborhoods to provide reading assistance and socialization skills so children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.
  • The school is closely affiliated with the Carolyn Galerstein Women’s Center (GWC). Founded in 1996, the GWC collaboratively presents gender issues on campus and in the community throughout the academic year and advocates for an inclusive, safe environment that directly impacts and improves lives.

Contact Information

Dachang Cong
Senior Lecturer II
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
800 West Campbell Road HH30
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: (972)-883-2297
E-mail: dccong@utdallas.edu
Website: utdallas.edu/is

Office of Admission and Enrollment Services
800 West Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: 972-883-2270 or 1-800-889-2443
E-mail: interest@utdallas.edu
Website: utdallas.edu/enroll