Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in American Studies?
American studies is the study of American culture from the combined perspectives of history, literature, philosophy, the fine arts, and the social sciences; of theories of culture in relation to American works of thought and art; of special groups in American culture (e.g. women, ethnic groups, the poor, the elderly, the family) and their particular patterns and trends in American culture; and of epochs and regions of time and space, of our past and present. This interdisciplinary major encourages the study of American culture as a whole, and at the same time it allows students to gain expertise in areas of particular interest. Students in other majors can obtain a minor in American studies.
Interests
American studies is about our culture, about how various Americans think, act, believe, work and play. The major or minor appeals to diverse student interests: in analyzing and understanding the impact of historical forces on societies; in studying human behavior, institutions and theoretical models through which human beings have attempted to organize their lives; and in the creative expression of the American culture through art, literature, architecture, and music.
Competencies
- Project Development
- Designing projects
Organizing ideas/materials
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Observing people
Planning & administering programs
Reviewing/evaluating projects or ideas - Human Relations
- Sensitivity to people & problems
Understanding of relationships & social processes
Flexibility/adaptability
Understanding individual differences - Creativity
- Developing/generating ideas
Problem solving
Developing new agendas for old problems
Interfacing with community areas - Communication
- Observing people
Speaking to groups
Writing clearly
Composing & expressing thoughts
Rewriting/editing
Describing & evaluating issues/problems/events
Reading & understanding ideas - Research
- Comparing ideas/translations
Analyzing data
Gathering information
Summarizing
Evaluating
Synthesizing
Examining all pertinent evidence
Opportunities - Careers
- Government
- Public opinion pollster
Public information coordinator
Departmental historian
Researcher
Chief of review unit compiling lists of buildings to restore for historic reasons
National park service adviser
Public program administrator for The National Endowment - Communications
- Public relations representative
Technical writer
Researcher/technical adviser
Columnist/journalist
Editor (textbook, newspaper)
Publicationist - Human Services
- Youth counselor
Social work specialist
Case worker
Volunteer services coordinator
Community planning specialist
Community organization worker
Employment counselor
Probation/parole officer
Development officer
Welfare investigator
Extension service specialist - Research/Preservation
- Exhibit preparation coordinator
Historical background analyst
Librarian
Biography creationist
Preservationist
Museum specialist
Curator
Conservator
Restorer
Research associate - Business/Industry
- Market research analyst
Personnel officer
Sales/marketing representative
Investment researcher
Underwriter
Insurance agent
Loan administrator
Manpower planner
Organizational planner
Management trainee
Campaign planner
Corporation historian/archivist
Consultant/research, writing
Consultant/cultural resource management
Banker
Stockbroker
Account coordinator
Customer supply analyst
Arts council director
Fund raising director
Grants specialist
Tour guide
Foundation administrator
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students may choose to continue their education in American Studies, or they may go into English, history, political science, sociology, business, urban planning, historic preservation, and law.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer and/or part-time work with historical associations and societies, historical projects, museums, research institutions, social service agencies, governmental agencies (e.g. public health department, sheriff's office), public archives and libraries, publishing companies, and theatrical or musical organizations; and involvement in student organizations such as the Cultural Awareness Program and the Historic Preservationists of Miami University.
Sources of Additional Information
- Office of American Studies (120 MacMillan Hall, 529-7527)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Exploration and Testing Center
(196 Health Services Center, 529-4634) - * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.