American Studies (B.A.)

  • Major, Minor
  • 4-year, On Campus

Applications for American Studies are currently on hold. Check out our other program offerings here.

What you’ll learn

The American Studies major at La Salle examines American society and culture, both past and present. Through a study of American history, literature, philosophy, religion, media, social science, and fine arts, you’ll critically analyze the richness of the American experience. You’ll learn to deconstruct various American narratives that are embedded in formal and popular culture and will unveil a deeper understanding of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and America’s place in the world. In this sense, you’ll become a “cultural critic” who, in seeing connections across academic disciplines, can assess the dominant assumptions about power and identity in everyday life in America.

Why Study American Studies at La Salle?

Since La Salle is located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, our program places major emphasis on the role of the city in shaping America’s past, present, and future. Merging campus classrooms with the “city as classroom,” we integrate Philadelphia’s world-class museums, historic and cultural sites, and recreational opportunities. 

American Studies majors also have an opportunity to do an internship, a field-based experience that helps them link theory to practice through the application of AMST courses and research strategies to real-life problems. Typical internship sites include the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Institute, Cliveden Historical House, Germantown Historical Society, National Park Service, and the Philadelphia criminal justice system.

Curriculum, Courses and Requirements

Highlighted Courses

AMST 100 – American Dreams: American Themes

This course introduces students to interdisciplinary modes of analyzing American culture. Core readings focus on the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, and gender. Readings, films, field trips, and activities will also emphasize the use of myths, symbols, and images in analyzing the American experience.

AMST 300 – Themes in American Culture

This course focuses on one American theme or topic (e.g., “The Family in American Culture,” “The City in American Life”) and examines it from the perspective of multiple academic disciplines.

AMST 360 – Internship

Working under a professional supervisor, students expand their understanding of American culture and society through hands-on participation at a professional site.

Meet the Faculty

American Studies faculty are experts in their fields and discipline and believe in an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

Career Opportunities

You’ll be prepared for careers requiring a broad understanding of American culture, critical thinking and writing, and interdisciplinary perspectives and applications. Our graduates can be found in law, journalism, business, public service, social work, education, museum studies, and graduate schools. For example, a 2022 AMST graduate has just begun her career in the political arena as Deputy Press Secretary to incoming Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

According to SimplyHired.com, American Studies majors with a bachelor’s degree hold an average salary of $67,380 per year.

Brendan Young, DSW, LSW, ‘12, director of La Salle's MSW program and an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work.

Two La Salle professors, from the Social Work and Communication Departments, have been awarded $3,000 Lasallian Research grants to support their respective projects.  

Xuleyka Ogiata, '25, a graduate of La Salle's Master of Social Work program

Xuleyka Ogiata, MSW ‘25, wanted a sense of community in her master’s program, especially after her time as an undergraduate was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She got what she hoped for as a La Salle Master of Social Work (MSW) student, as well as so much more.  

Riley Purdy, '25, outside Frances M. Maguire Art Museum at Saint Joseph's University.

Riley Purdy, ‘25, an art history major and religion minor graduate, was chosen to present original research at the fourth annual Philadelphia-Area Undergraduate Art History Research Symposium in March. Her talk was inspired by work done during a La Salle art history course.