Welcome to the Department of American Studies

American Studies focuses on the cultural, social, and intellectual life of the United States of America. Its students analyze the American past and present from the perspectives of several disciplines, learn to synthesize their knowledge, and develop the critical habit of mind needed for cultural analysis. Such skills, we believe, are essential for the formation of a knowledgeable and politically engaged American citizenry.

Work in American Studies can lead to and enrich a wide variety of careers. Many of our graduate students become teachers and scholars at the college and university level, but significant numbers of both graduates and undergraduates have gone into journalism, radio, TV and film work, museum curating, law, public relations, editing, advertising, government service, secondary school teaching and administration, and creative writing.

Read more about American Studies at UT