American Studies BA

The American Studies BA at Whitworth University lets you examine American society through history, politics, literature, and sociology. The interdisciplinary structure is designed to help you build a layered view of America’s past and present, with course work that can connect topics across disciplines such as the Civil War, American literature, and political science.

Students study American society through classroom discussion and connected coursework, including intersections between history, English, and political science. The program includes hands-on experience through internships. Each year, majors in the history department are selected to intern at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and students can also choose Spokane-based options such as the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and the Historic Preservation Office.

The degree also supports research and communication skills, including creating historical context, analyzing evidence from primary and digital sources, and presenting results in multiple formats. Graduates are described as prepared for careers in public history, public service, business, law, education, and academia, with example placements including an archival conservator, a social studies teacher, and a director of multicultural education and initiatives.

• Archival conservator (Washington State University Manuscripts, Archives & Special Collections)
• Social studies teacher (Mead High School)
• Director of multicultural education and initiatives (Grove City College)