American Studies

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 its place in the world in the past and present.

• American studies 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 gone on to work in higher and secondary education, media and communications, nonprofit organizations, government, political organizing, social work, law, museums and other cultural institutions.

1. Graduates will be able to explain the development and contexts of American cultures and ideas.
2. Graduates will be able to comprehend the diversity of American cultures and experiences both within the nation-state and abroad.
3. Graduates will be able to practice interdisciplinary research methods in the study of American cultures through critical interpretation of a wide variety of artifacts, such as material, visual, literary and popular.
4. Graduates will be able to articulate arguments and information effectively in writing and presentations.
5. Graduates will be able to synthesize American studies knowledge with surrounding communities and public life, particularly in service of questions of social justice and solidarity.

Send transcripts of all secondary work.

Find out from your admission counselor what secondary credentials are required. We’ll evaluate how you’ve done in school up to this point, so please send all transcripts for secondary work, along with their English language translations.

Submit proof of your English language proficiency.

These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college — TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT or Duolingo score. All of our international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency, and these tests can help us make that determination.

If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Recommended items.

Though not required for admission, submission of a resume of activities and letters of recommendation is encouraged. All undergraduate applicants are also encouraged to complete an admission interview.

A degree in American studies provides a broad education that prepares graduates for careers that emphasize creative thinking, strong writing, critical analysis, clear communication, skilled research and civic and community engagement.

The following list is just a small sample of jobs for American studies graduates:

• Archivist
• Editor
• Exhibit designer
• Foundation director
• Grant writer
• Historic preservation specialist
• Journalist
• Labor organizer
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Museum curator
• Nonprofit management
• Politician
• Professor
• Public policy analyst
• Public relations
• Social worker
• Speechwriter
• Teacher
• Urban planner