American Studies Career Options
Career Possibilities
American Studies majors go on to careers in museum and archive work, publishing and editing, business, law, college and secondary teaching, government, nonprofit organizations (NGOs), public relations, and journalism. Some students also pursue advanced degrees in graduate school or law school. Recent Penn State American Studies graduates have attended graduate programs in American Studies, history, and English. One recent American Studies graduate won a competitive fellowship in the prestigious masters program jointly administered by the Winterthur Museum and the University of Delaware. Penn State students have also secured competitive positions with the Daniel Boone Homestead and the Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Commission.
Skills Barry Rauhauser -
Lancaster County Historical Society
Curator of collections [more]
The American Studie's major can prepare you to succeed in a variety of careers by helping you to develop professional skills and capabilities including:
- finding and evaluating information
- designing and conducting independent research
- thinking critically
- understanding and applying theory to real situations
- speaking and writing clearly and effectively
- solving problems
Flexibility
With the American Studies program you can:
- complete your entire degree at Penn State York
- study full- or part-time
- earn a minor
- gain experience through internships and independent study programs
- prepare for employment, professional study, or graduate school
- participate in undergraduate research
Internships
Students are encouraged to take advantage of internships and volunteer opportunities that could strengthen job potential. American Studies internships provide opportunities for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a typical workplace. Internships can be approved for a varying amount of credits based on the number and sophistication of the tasks a student will perform, the extent to which the internship will foster independent effort, and the specific outcomes of the experience. Prospective interns should consult with their adviser about internship opportunities and apply three to six months before they expect to participate.
Job Settings
A graduate of American Studies can explore opportunities within archives, art museums, art management, business, cultural organizations, discovery museums, living history museums, galleries, government, historical societies, historical publications, law, magazine publishing or writing, national parks, natural history museums, planetariums, radio, retail, schools, science centers, television, tourism, and universities.
Job Titles
The following are some examples of common job titles for American Studies graduates: archeologist, business affairs director, collections manager, curator, development director, editor, educational programs director, exhibit personnel, historian, membership coordinator, public relations coordinator, producer, salesperson, script writer, teacher, training coordinator, visitor services coordinator, volunteer coordinator, and youth programs manager.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, employment for graduates with an American Studies background is expected to increase at an average pace through 2008. Competition for jobs as archivists, curators, and museum technicians and other service positions within these areas is expected to be keen. Employment in related career areas such as public relations, sales, and marketing will be increasing at a higher rate.