To be considered for admission, prospective students must submit an application, a one-time nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts (or high school equivalency exam), and an official ACT or SAT test score (if the applicant is under 21) to the University’s Office of Admissions.
Minimum score 71 for iBT/ 6.0 IELTS / 105 Duolingo. All test scores must be official and sent directly from the testing agency.
The American Studies B.A. frames and develops each student’s individual interests, and allows students to include courses from any program and department that sustain a student’s engagement with their particular emphasis. Individual programs of study are as varied as our students.
We value each student as a person, and understand that an education is much more than a list of courses. Our advising is central in supporting each student’s path and success through the major and beyond the degree.
Examples of concentrations that draw on courses outside American Studies - interests which we then integrate in our independent studies, internships, and the senior seminar - include sports studies, popular music history, comparative ethnic studies, marketing, military history, sustainability, disability advocacy, museum studies, philosophy of science, environmental studies, public health and social justice, and the U.S. in international perspectives. Each student develops a concentration of study with their American Studies advisor with ample room to combine courses and interests into a coherent undergraduate education.
The American Studies B.A. can be an attractive second major for students in any UW degree program where cultural context enriches and expands work in their professional or scholarly field. The flexible nature of our B.A. allows us to work effectively with students changing majors at any point in their undergraduate experience as well as transfer students.
More info: Click here
Curriculum
Through the following curriculum, students develop individual programs of study, with their advisers, to understand and engage American cultures.
Students pursuing Program Honors should also write an undergraduate thesis. Contact the Program Director for more details.
Foundation (12 credit hours)
AMST2010 - Introduction to American Studies (3 credit hours)
One course at the 1000- or 2000-level in an interdisciplinary field, including American History, or from departments and programs such as AADS, ENR, INST, GWST, LTST, NAIS, RELI, or appropriate courses transferred from other institutions, to be named in the program of study in consultation with an American Studies advisor. (3 credit hours)
Two courses at any level from programs in The School of Culture, Gender, and Social Justice or appropriate substitutes in consultation with an American Studies advisor. (6 credit hours)
Concentration (27 credit hours)
Core (9 credit hours)
Each student must take three AMST courses at the 3000-4000 level, excluding the senior seminar. These seminars are designed to maintain an interdisciplinary view of American culture and to foster an American Studies community. (9 credit hours)
Theme (18 credit hours)
An American Studies theme is devised, in consultation with the student’s adviser, and is presented to the American Studies core faculty in writing as a proposed course of study. This proposal is usually made at the end of the second year of study (or upon completion of 60 hours of course work toward graduation), since the document guides the student through an exploration of American culture. Typical themes include: American diversity, environment and society, material culture and everyday life, visual culture and media, American cultural history, American institutions and public culture, the United States in international perspective. The theme must include a minimum of 6 credit hours and a maximum of 9 credit hours in a single discipline. Up to 3 credits can be granted for courses at the 1000-2000 level. (18 credit hours)
Capstone (6 Credits)
As part of the 6 credit hours of senior capstone requirements, each student must complete 3 credit hours of Senior Seminar. The additional 3 credit hours can be through either Independent Study or Internship.
AMST4985 - Senior Seminar Credits: 3
AND
AMST4010 - Independent Study Credits: 1‑3
OR
AMST4970 - Internship Credits: 1-3
InsuranceFee: 1,999 USD