American Studies
Stetson University's American Studies BA is 32 units and uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore the historical, literary, psychological, economic, political, and cultural forces shaping American society. Upper-division classes have fewer than 10 students. The program features a student-designed Focus Area that lets you design over a third of your major around a theme you choose.
Why American Studies at Stetson University?
American Studies is one of the oldest and most established programs of its type in the US, founded at Stetson in 1955. That institutional depth means a curriculum and faculty with decades of interdisciplinary teaching behind it.
This interdisciplinary program lets you explore various subjects, effectively creating a major that connects different fields. The Focus Area, a distinctive program feature, lets you design over a third of your major or minor. You'll select four courses that explore a theme, such as culture and the arts, gender and popular culture, race and politics, or religion and values. You can delve into topics that interest you and explore connections across fields.
At Stetson, American Studies classes are small, with no more than 30 students in lower-division courses and fewer than 10 in upper-division classes, ensuring plenty of interaction with professors and peers.
Learn more about the Department of American Studies.
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“ I participated in Stetson archivists, internships, travel and research.”
— Carlye Mahler ’24
Career Outcomes
American Studies prepares you for careers that draw on analytical, writing, and research skills. The degree provides a strong foundation for graduate education in law or public policy. Career paths include:
- Government and State Department roles
- Museum and Library Professional
- Journalist and Writer
- Lawyer and Policy Advisor
- Arts Administrator and Gallery Professional
- Graduate student in law, public policy, or humanities
Meet the Faculty
As you begin your journey, you will work with some of our distinguished faculty and dedicated professionals who will provide you with personal attention and expert guidance to help you thrive academically and professionally.
- Michael Barnes, PhD, University of South Carolina, English
- Emily Mieras, PhD, College of William and Mary, history and American Studies
- Sven Smith, PhD, University of Florida, sociology
- John Tichenor, PhD, Florida State University, management
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
At Stetson, learning goes beyond the classroom. You'll have opportunities to build real-world experience through internships, research, community engagement and other experiential learning opportunities.
HATTER READYFrequently Asked Questions
This program requires the completion of 32 units (128 credit hours), including major requirements and university graduation requirements. For the most current curriculum and degree requirements, please consult the academic catalog.
A student-designed set of four courses exploring a theme across disciplines, covering over a third of the major, with a written Focus Statement.
Upper-division courses have fewer than 10 students; lower-division courses cap at 30.
Stetson offers merit scholarships, need-based grants, federal and state aid, work-study, and program-specific awards. More than 98% of Stetson students receive some form of financial aid.
Yes, a minor is available.
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