Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

A degree in American Studies enables students to cultivate a historically-informed understanding of America, encouraging them to contemplate America’s position in a globalized world. This makes it an excellent option for students considering law school or pursuing a wide range of careers in business, nonprofit organizations, government, media and cultural institutions. 

The Bachelor of Arts in American Studies requires 120 hours, of which 45 hours must be upper-division courses. You must complete a minimum of 45 hours at UT Dallas to earn a degree. You may add a second major or degree, and up to two minors, if desired, while pursuing an American Studies degree. Internships are encouraged. The Bachelor of Arts in American Studies is composed of the Texas Common Core Curriculum, American Studies major core courses, two option areas, and electives. Students are encouraged to review the detailed course descriptions and consult with an academic advisor when designing their degree.  

View an example of degree requirements by semester.

Option Areas 

• Each student, in collaboration with their advisor and the program head, will construct two option areas within the discipline of American Studies. Each option area must be interdisciplinary in nature and must include at least one course providing a historical grounding. Examples of acceptable concentrations include: 

• American Medicine and Healthcare 
• American Popular Culture 
• The American Workplace 
• The Arts in American Culture 
• Communication in 21^st Century America 
• Environment and Community 
• Law, Legality, and Culture 
• Media, Culture, and Society 
• Race and Ethnicity in American Society 
• Technology and Society 
• Women and the Workplace 

The American Studies minor delves into the cultures, institutions, arts, communication structures, businesses, social processes and media in the United States, emphasizing the social and cultural diversity of American society. Many students pursue this minor to prepare for graduate school or to embark on careers in business, non-profit organizations, media and communications. Comprising 18 semester credit hours, the American Studies minor requires upper-level courses from American Studies, Gender Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies. For additional details, refer to the course catalog. 

Students must fulfill the requirements for the major and earn at least a 3.900 cumulative GPA, as well as a 3.9 GPA in courses used to complete the major.  Additionally, students must devote six semester hours to a capstone project approved by the program head. This might consist of an internship, thesis, portfolio project or upper-level research seminar (or some combination thereof). 

The Fast Track Program permits qualified undergraduate students to begin work on a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) degree before completing their bachelor’s degree.  

See more information on our Fast Track Program page.