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First, some facts. Of the American Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 98 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 54%, American Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-13%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 48% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a American Studies graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 9% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Trinity College-Hartford with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Studies. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONE.E Cammack Group School Sales Leader Aetna Jun 2013 - Jan 2014 Account Executive Aetna Jan 2014 - Mar 2018 Interior Designer Chancellor Designs Mar 2018 - Sep 2020 Owner | Designer  Dane Creative Jan 2023 - Dec 2023 Project Manager | Architectural Designer Holst Nov 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGInterior Design CertificateHeritage School of Interior Design 2015 - 2016 Graduate Studies in Architecture Portland State University 2020 - 2022 ABOUTI am a Project Manager and Designer in the field of Architecture with ten years of business development and client-facing experience. I believe housing is a human right, spaces should promote healing through Trauma Informed principles and that we have responsibility to build toward a more equitable future. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the job trajectories of graduates with degrees in American Studies reveals a broad spectrum of career paths, with many engaging in roles that only tangentially relate to their field of study. The most common types of jobs among these individuals are related to education, legal work, and communications, alongside a notable presence in creative industries such as journalism and production. While some positions, like teaching and educational coordination, directly utilize the knowledge gained from their American Studies degrees, others, such as administrative roles or positions in business management, do not significantly reference the core concepts of American Studies.
In the educational sector, roles such as teachers or curriculum coordinators clearly draw upon American history, culture, and societal impacts that are central to American Studies. For instance, those in teaching positions can readily apply their understanding of American cultural narratives and historical contexts in their curricula. On the legal front, many graduates have ventured into roles as paralegals, legal assistants, or internships that engage with social issues and justice, further reflecting the theory and principles taught in American Studies programs. However, several other graduates found themselves in business, marketing, and administrative roles where the direct connection to American Studies is weak at best; positions like project managers or financial advisors often prioritize skills that do not align with the focus of American Studies, such as marketing strategies or information technology.
Overall, while graduates of American Studies are versatile and often find work in a variety of fields, many do not find positions that capitalize on their degree's specific insights. A significant number of professionals occupy roles that leverage general skills such as communication, critical thinking, and analysis without applying the distinct historical or cultural analysis that American Studies promotes. Therefore, while many graduates have followed their passion into significant roles within education and law, numerous others have drifted into unrelated fields where they may not fully utilize the specialized knowledge they have obtained throughout their studies.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for American Studies graduates:
When examining the career trajectories of American Studies graduates from various universities, a mixed picture emerges. For many, their first jobs after graduation tend to lean towards internships or entry-level positions that align reasonably well with their education. For instance, graduates from prestigious institutions such as Yale University, Tufts University, and Georgetown University often find roles in media, education, or legal internships, which could be seen as stepping stones into more significant positions in those fields. However, not all graduates enjoy the same level of success or relevance in their first positions, and some might find themselves working in areas that don’t directly correlate with their degree.
As time progresses, say five or ten years into their careers, the pathways become even more diverse. For some, like a Tufts graduate who became a producer, there is a clear connection to the skills learned in American Studies regarding media and culture. Meanwhile, others, such as a graduate from the University of Texas who shifted into legal consulting, also illustrate how an American Studies degree can lend itself to various professional avenues, including policy analysis and legal work. However, there are certainly graduates who don’t seem to have landed in fields closely associated with American Studies. For example, some of the graduates end up in administrative or unrelated jobs, indicating a potential disconnect between their educational and professional journeys.
Overall, while there are certainly success stories within this group of American Studies graduates, a significant number appear to have veered from the more traditional career paths directly linked to their field. Many may have achieved decent positions over time, but the variation in relevance and satisfaction with their work suggests that a degree in American Studies does not guarantee a straightforward trajectory into related professions. This variance could lead students to contemplate how their skill sets apply across different industries, emphasizing the degree's versatility but also highlighting the challenges of finding fulfilling careers that offer a direct connection to their academic background.
A Bachelor’s degree in American Studies can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty; it’s not generally considered one of the hardest degrees out there, but it does come with its own set of challenges. You'll be diving into a lot of reading and analyzing texts, which can be pretty time-consuming, and you’ll also tackle a variety of topics from history to culture and politics. If you’re passionate about understanding America’s diverse stories and have a knack for writing and discussions, it might feel more like an engaging learning experience than a grind. That said, the workload can vary depending on your professors and specific courses, so it’s definitely not a walk in the park but usually lands on the easier side of the spectrum compared to STEM fields, for example.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in American Studies.
Looking at the job histories of these American Studies graduates, it seems there's quite a mixed bag when it comes to their earning potential post-graduation. For instance, the graduates from more prestigious universities, like Yale and Georgetown, have jobs that likely offer better salaries, especially those in legal or high-level editorial roles. Conversely, graduates from institutions with a more niche focus or who have taken on roles in education or nonprofit sectors may not see as high a salary. Jobs as teachers or grant writers generally suggest lower earnings compared to more corporate or legal positions.
Overall, while some individuals have clearly landed roles that likely pay well — especially those in fields like law or media — others seem to be in positions where the income may not be as substantial. It's worth noting that some of these paths may also lead to higher-paying positions in the future, particularly for those just starting out. So, in short, while some are set up for financial success based on their current positions, others might not be making bank just yet but could eventually get there with the right experience and networking.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in American Studies. This may or may not be useful:
