At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BA

With the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, you will develop creative research skills, learn to examine intersections between a variety of subjects, and develop a new critical appreciation for art, history, economics and many more topics.

Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

A UMass Lowell field hockey player moves the ball past the opposing team's defense player.

The American Studies major explores how American society and culture have developed over time, and how ideas, institutions, values and artistic expression continue to shape American culture. 

Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll examine the many dimensions of the American experience while strengthening your critical thinking and analytical skills. The major features two concentrations: a general concentration and a sports studies concentration. 

This flexible program prepares you for careers in sports, education, journalism, government and nonprofits, and business, to name a few.

Focus Your Studies

Choose a focus area based on your interests and career goals.

  • Sports Studies Concentration
    Ideal for students interested in sports-related careers, this concentration emphasizes the broader cultural knowledge needed to succeed in the sports industry. Examine the role of sports in American culture through courses that engage sports historically, socially, politically and experientially.
  • General Concentration
    Build a customized course of study by selecting two disciplines, such as art and political science. You'll take two to three courses in each, and complete an interdisciplinary capstone experience.

Career Outlook for American Studies Majors

  • $79.7K

    Median annual salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

  • +13.1%

    Projected job growth in New England (2023–2035)
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

What Can You Do with a Degree in American Studies?

Graduates from UMass Lowell's American Studies program gain strong writing and analytical skills, positioning them for careers in diverse fields.

A young man with a beard poses for a photo while wearing a red Patriots T-shirt and holding and NFL football. Image by New England Patriots

Career Areas

  • Sports Management 
  • Government
  • Social Services
  • Education
  • Journalism 
  • Business
  • Marketing and Communications

Potential Job Titles

  • Social Media Manager
  • Lawyer
  • Magazine or book editor
  • Museum curator
  • Radio show producer
  • Public history educator
  • Documentary filmmaker

Graduate Schools

Many of our graduates pursue graduate school in law, library and information sciences.

Topics You'll Explore as an American Studies Major

As an American studies major, you’ll engage in interdisciplinary learning that helps you connect ideas, sharpen critical thinking and apply your knowledge to real-world issues. Your studies may include topics such as:

Year-by-Year Course Plan

Check out our degree pathways, which offer sample plans for completing your degree in four years.

For students who entered fall 2023 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
HIST.1110 /
HIST.1120		United States History to 1877 /
United States History since 1877		3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
MATH.xxxxMATH.1110 (QL) recommended (MATH)23
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
Total16-17

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
SOCI.1010Introduction to Sociology3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Perspective (SS)3
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
AMST.2480Perspectives in American Culture (DCA), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH) - PHIL.1010 / PHIL.1020 recommended (CTPS)33
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.2820American Literary Traditions3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSTEM Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3
xxxx.xxxxResearch Methods Course3/53
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.3/4xxxSports Studies Elective63
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Studies Elective3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective4 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.3/4xxxSports Studies Elective63
xxxx.3/4xxxSports Studies Elective63
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
AMST.4010 /
AMST.4910		American Studies Seminar /
Directed Studies in American Studies (AIL), (IL), (WOC)		3
xxxx.3/4xxxSports Studies Elective63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxSports Studies Elective63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

1Required for entering freshmen.

2Quantitative Literacy (QL) is fulfilled outside the American Studies major. The department recommends that all majors take a math course that satisfies the QL outcome, such as MATH.1110

3American Studies students meet the Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (CTPS) outside of the major. CTPS may be satisfied with PHIL.1010 Introduction to Philosophy or PHIL.1020 Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning. Additionally, the following Research Seminars satisfy CTPS (some have prerequisite courses):

See the CTPS course listing for a complete list of options.

4World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

5Students may take Research Methods in any of the following subjects: english, history, political science, psychology, or sociology.

6To satisfy the Sports Studies requirements, students must take a total of 15 credits in Sports Studies (12 must be at the 3000/4000 level). A list of approved courses is available through the student's SIS account or from the coordinator.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2021 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total16-17
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
HIST.1110 /
HIST.1120		United States History to 1877 /
United States History since 1877		3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
MATH.xxxxMATH.1110 (QL) recommended (MATH)23
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15-16
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
SOCI.1010Introduction to Sociology3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Perspective (SS)3

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
AMST.2480Perspectives in American Culture (DCA), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH) - PHIL.1010 / PHIL.1020 recommended (CTPS)3
3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
ENGL.2820American Literary Traditions3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective  (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3
xxxx.xxxxResearch Methods Course3/53

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Studies Elective (Discipline 1)63
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Studies Elective (Discipline 2)63
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective4 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Studies Elective (Discipline 1)63
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Studies Elective (Discipline 2)63
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
Total15
AMST.4010 /
AMST.4910		American Studies Seminar /
Directed Studies in American Studies (AIL), (IL), (WOC)		3
xxxx.xxxxAmerican Studies Elective63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3

Spring Semester

Course#Course NameCredits
xxxx.3/4xxxAmerican Studies Elective63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

1Required for entering freshmen.

2Quantitative Literacy (QL) is fulfilled outside the American Studies major. The department recommends that all majors take a math course that satisfies the QL outcome, such as MATH.1110

3American Studies students meet the Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (CTPS) outside of the major.

CTPS may be satisfied with PHIL.1010 Introduction to Philosophy or PHIL.1020 Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning.
Additionally, the following Research Seminars satisfy CTPS (note, some have prerequisite courses):

See the CTPS course listing for a complete list of options.

4World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

5Students may take Research Methods in any of the following subjects: english, history, political science, psychology, or sociology.

6To satisfy the American Studies Electives requirement, students choose two disciplines to explore, taking a total of 15 credits (12 must be at the 3000/4000 level), with at least six credits from each discipline. A list of approved courses is available through the student's SIS account or from the coordinator.

Students must take 36-45 credits within the major, with at least 15 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment. See the catalog policy for details.


Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

Why Study American Studies at UMass Lowell?

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Expert Faculty

Engage with our nationally recognized faculty from the departments of English, History, Psychology, Sociology and Political Science. 

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Lowell as a Classroom

The city of Lowell's rich history of literature, emerging technologies, industry and immigration provides unique opportunities for fieldwork, archival research, urban archeology and internships.

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Internships

Gain career-ready skills through internships with cultural institutions and media outlets. Our students have worked with:

  • Lowell's public access television
  • New England-area museums and living heritage sites
  • Open Source, a nationally syndicated public radio show
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Career Connected Experience: The UMass Lowell Guarantee

Every first-time, first-year UMass Lowell student will have the opportunity to pursue at least one Career Connected Experience (internships, co-ops, clinical placements, service learning, study abroad and more) during their undergraduate career — earning pay, credits or both before they graduate.

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