A major in American Studies focuses on American culture and society from the both past and present. In addition to developing a background in arts, customs, and the general everyday experience or an American, social and institutional processes are also a close focus for American Studies majors. Public sector jobs, government agencies, or publicly-supported institutions, often seek to employ American Studies students and graduates as interpreters, explaining an agency's or institution's function, projects, activities, or history to the public.  The strong background in American Studies prepares students for many career options.

Possible careers options for American Studies majors include: anthropology, archaeology, historian, and sociologist.  Additionally, American Studies prepares students for the option of postgraduate work in law and education.  In fact many American Studies undergraduates go on to peruse graduate and PhD degrees.