American studies helps students develop a broad familiarity with the dynamics of cultural experience and explore aspects of life in the United States, such as popular culture, fine arts, institutions, values, gender and ethnic relations, artifacts, and the everyday life of a diverse nation.

American studies majors develop broad training in cultural analysis and communication. Students take courses that make sense of the contemporary world, both nationally and internationally, using a variety of approaches to the study of culture, including film, the digital humanities, art, theater, and literature. Building on the strengths of the faculty, students use a variety of approaches to study culture that includes racial and ethnic studies, gender studies, media, the digital humanities, history, art, theater, and literature.