American Studies is one of the most exciting and challenging of all the humanities and social science disciplines. Our department provides a systematically interdisciplinary approach to the historical study of the cultures of the United States, and to the critical analysis of their ongoing evolution. Within the framework of the great Jesuit humanist tradition, the American Studies Department trains students in the skills of clear thinking, writing, and speaking, as well as the abilities associated with interpreting literary texts, evaluating historical documents and artifacts, applying humanistic and social science methods and theoretical approaches, and reflecting morally about the problems and issues they address in the classroom.

American Studies prepares students for interesting careers that emphasize creativity, writing, analysis, communication, research, and civic engagement. Graduates of the American Studies Department may prepare for careers in museums, government, law, media, or education. Many business organizations value American Studies training for work in public relations, marketing, advertising, diversity outreach, and tourism. Foundations, agencies, arts institutions, and non-profit organizations make extensive use of the broad education students receive in American Studies. Some graduates choose to spend time in volunteer service before pursuing careers. Some go abroad through programs like the Peace Corps, traipsing off to locations around the globe. Others work in national programs such as AmeriCorps, Teach for America, and Volunteers in Service to America. Still others become involved with faith-based service projects such as the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, the Catholic Worker, the Jewish Federation, and the YMCA. And finally, some students pursue service through labor organizing, public advocacy work, literacy training, and other local efforts.