Saint Louis University's American studies program uses film, food, fashion, buildings, sports, popular media, the environment, art, literature and historical texts in order to understand the diverse cultures of the United States and the nation's place in the world in the past and present. American studies at SLU is interdisciplinary, using a variety of sources and methods (literature, social science, film and community institutions) to understand American cultures. American studies is global and diverse, paying close attention to international and regional relations, as well as to the variety of racial, ethnic, religious and other communities within and around its borders. American studies is practical, which means the everyday is taken as seriously as the esoteric, and the lessons learned in the classroom are applied to work in communities and public institutions. As a result, SLU's American studies degree trains students in critical thinking, complex problem-solving and clear written and oral communication. American studies graduates from SLU have experience working in diverse groups and applying their knowledge to the world around them. These are sought-after skills transferable to a variety of fields. Graduates from SLU's American studies program have worked in higher and secondary education, media and communications, nonprofit organizations, government, political organizing, social work, law, museums and other cultural institutions. Internships completed through SLU's American studies program are student-designed in close collaboration with the department's internship supervisor and participating organizations and institutions. Internships count as a three-credit course, requiring 120 hours total, or about eight hours per week. Past students have partnered with the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, International Institute, Missouri History Museum, Circuit Court Records Project, City Museum and Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, among other sites.
Career Path
Graduate career path includes Policy Analyst (Cultural/Political Focus), Legislative Aide, Cultural Affairs Officer, Government Relations Officer, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Immigration & Citizenship Program Coordinator, Community Development Specialist, Human Rights Advocate, Global Policy Analyst, NGO Field Officer (Cultural/Political Focus), Foreign Service Specialist (American Culture Focus), Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator, Academic Advisor, International Development Program Coordinator, Teaching Assistant (American Studies/History), International Humanitarian Aid Coordinator, Secondary School Teacher (Social Sciences/History), Curriculum Developer (American Studies Programs), Community Education Program Coordinator, Research Assistant (American Studies/Interdisciplinary Focus), Arts & Culture Program Coordinator, Communications Strategist (Social Justice Campaigns).
