American Studies Office
4095 JFSB
Phillip A. Snyder, Coordinator
4179 JFSB, (801) 422-2487
College of Humanities Advisement Center
1175 JFSB, (801) 422-4789
Admission to Program
The American Studies degree program is open enrollment.
The Discipline
The American Studies major examines the sweep of American
experience, society, culture, and civilization from a variety of
viewpoints—literature, history, gender, humanities, regions,
politics, ethnic groups, geography, art, economics, religion, and
folklore—based in core courses designed to examine the American
experience from a variety of standpoints. Majors are encouraged
to develop particular skills in writing; literary criticism; historical
research; and social, political, and economic analysis. The
program provides not only rich interdisciplinary experience but
also exposure to a variety of excellent scholars and teachers.
Career Opportunities
On graduation, American Studies students are usually qualified to
enter graduate and professional schools (for law, MBA, MPA,
PhD), government or community service, teaching, or advanced
graduate studies in the liberal arts, including American studies,
American civilization, American culture, American history, and
American literature.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor’s degree a student must complete, in
addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following
university requirements:
- The university core, consisting of requirements in general and
religious education (See the University Core section of this
catalog for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet
university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
- A minimum of 30 credit hours in residence
- A minimum of 120 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Undergraduate Programs and Degrees
BA American Studies
Minor Western American Studies
Students should see their college advisement center for help or
information concerning the undergraduate programs.
