Bachelor's in American Studies

Amherst College boasts a rich history and a strong tradition of producing influential leaders, scholars, and innovators. The college's academic philosophy centers on an open curriculum, allowing students the freedom to explore a broad range of disciplines and tailor their educational journey to their interests. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, Amherst emphasizes close mentorship, fostering meaningful connections between students and faculty. At Amherst, a vibrant intellectual community thrives, driven by a diverse student body hailing from various backgrounds and perspectives. The campus is characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and a culture that encourages dialogue, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. Beyond academics, Amherst offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, ensuring a holistic college experience. Whether engaging in groundbreaking research, participating in community service, or contributing to the arts, students at Amherst are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

We offer students the opportunity to understand the diverse range of American identities and experiences within a comparative and transnational frame. The American Studies major is designed to allow students great flexibility in creating a course of study focused on social and cultural issues that matter to them. Students combine required courses in the major with relevant courses selected from across the curriculum, putting together their own individualized and interdisciplinary American Studies major. The American Studies major is structured to provide students with the methodological, theoretical, and research skills to conduct their own independent interdisciplinary research. American Studies courses support place-based research--including many field trips--archival research, and historical, sociological, cultural and theoretical analysis. Senior projects in the major range widely from a study of indigenous video games to an archive-based history of service workers at Amherst College, from a graphic novel recording the first year of a new charter school to an ethnographic study of new destination immigrants. Senior projects of the last few years have included studies of electoral politics, caretaking in the Korean transnational diaspora, group identity and racial and ethnic belonging in Hawai’i, gender and weight-lifting, American attitudes towards food and diet, Native American and Indigenous “sneaker” art, and Seinfeld.

Amherst College stands as a beacon of liberal arts education, known for its unwavering commitment to intellectual exploration and academic freedom. Distinctive in its embrace of an open curriculum, Amherst empowers students to shape their educational path by encouraging interdisciplinary studies and fostering an environment that champions curiosity and critical thinking. With a history dating back to the early 19th century, the college has cultivated a reputation for producing graduates who not only excel academically but also embody the values of diversity, inclusion, and a deep appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge. The close-knit community, coupled with a dedication to mentorship and a vibrant campus life, defines Amherst College as a preeminent institution dedicated to shaping well-rounded, thoughtful leaders of tomorrow.