Wayne State University
American Studies

Requirements for a Major

Candidates must complete 120 credits in course work including satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements and the College of Liberal Arts Group Requirements, as well as the major requirements cited below. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees.

Major Requirements: Major concentration in American Studies consists of at least forty-three credits: a minimum of twenty-five credits in required courses, and eighteen credits in electives, distributed as follows:

American Studies: at least six credits, including AS 2010 and 5010 or AS 5997.

English: at least nine credits, selected from among ENG 3140 and 5400 through 5490.

History: at least ten credits, including HIS 2040, 2050, and 5190.

Electives: Eighteen credits in course work pertaining to American culture and institutions in at least three departments. Selection of these courses, which may also meet the Liberal Arts College Group Requirements, must be made in consultation with the director of American Studies.


 You may also download an American Studies Major Checklist that can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, you may access the Adobe webside and download the Reader application for free.