B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in American Studies
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in American Studies at Lycoming College provides a holistic, interdisciplinary look at American culture, drawing from a broad range of disciplines, including history, political science, sociology, English, economics, and the arts, as well as ethnic and racial studies. This course of study emphasizes analytical skills, enabling students to understand the multifaceted nature of the United States. The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers in fields that benefit from a deep understanding of American society and its historical development.
Curriculum: The American Studies curriculum is designed to be flexible and comprehensive, allowing students to explore their interests within the broader context of American civilization. While specific core course titles aren't fully detailed in public information, the program requires students to take courses from at least five different disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach ensures exposure to various methodologies and perspectives. Students delve into themes such as race/racism, gender, ethnicity, class, sexuality, religion, and political culture within historical, intellectual, and social contexts. The major culminates in a two-semester Senior Seminar series, which involves a significant research project, reflecting some of the most rigorous programs nationally.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the American Studies program at Lycoming College. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to engage in in-depth scholarly inquiry. The culminating Senior Seminar requires students to complete a substantial research project. Beyond this, students can compete for various summer research opportunities, such as the Summer Research Grant or the Haberberger Summer Research Fellowship, allowing them to work collaboratively with faculty members on significant research projects. The college emphasizes faculty research agendas designed to cultivate student collaboration, fostering academic discovery. Students are also encouraged to submit their papers for publication in national academic journals, demonstrating a commitment to advanced scholarly output. Resources like the "American Studies Resources" subject guide from the college library further support students in developing strong research skills, including formulating research questions and identifying reliable sources.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly emphasizes practical industry engagement for its American Studies students, recognizing the diverse career paths this interdisciplinary major opens. The program encourages and facilitates internships at various institutions and organizations. Students have interviewed for internships at prestigious locations such as the Smithsonian Institution or Williamsport's Thomas Taber Museum. Opportunities also extend to other fields including libraries, law offices, marketing departments, and sports management offices, showcasing the broad applicability of their skills. The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences assists students in securing these internships, including through signature programs like the Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE). Faculty, who are award-winning and published, often take on students as research assistants, providing further practical experience in scholarly work.
Global Perspective: While the American Studies program primarily focuses on the United States, it inherently fosters a global perspective by examining American culture and society in transnational and comparative contexts. The curriculum encourages students to consider how global events have shaped America and how American ideas and policies have impacted the world. Lycoming College's broader commitment to global education, including offering over 100 locations for study abroad for a semester or summer, further enhances this perspective. Partnerships with programs like American University's Washington Semester Program also provide opportunities to understand U.S. politics and policy within an international framework. The presence of a diverse international student body on campus also contributes to a richer cross-cultural learning environment for American Studies majors.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Studies from Lycoming College provides graduates with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of American society, culture, and history.
Museum Curator / Archivist / Historic Site Administrator: With their deep knowledge of American history and culture, graduates are well-suited for roles in museums, historical societies, and archives. They research, preserve, and interpret artifacts, documents, and historical narratives for public engagement.
Journalist / Editor / Content Creator: The strong research, analytical, and writing skills honed in American Studies are invaluable for careers in journalism. Graduates can work as reporters, editors, or content creators for various media outlets, specializing in cultural commentary, social issues, or historical events.
Policy Analyst / Government Relations: Understanding the historical and cultural forces shaping American policy, graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, or lobbying firms, analyzing policy impacts, conducting research, and advocating for specific issues.
Educator (Secondary or Higher Education): Many American Studies graduates pursue teaching careers, sharing their interdisciplinary knowledge of American history, literature, and society with students in high schools. With further graduate studies, they can teach at the college level.
Lawyer / Paralegal: The rigorous analytical, research, and argumentative skills developed in American Studies provide an excellent foundation for legal careers. Graduates can work as paralegals or pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) to become attorneys, particularly in areas like constitutional law, civil rights, or cultural property law.
Public Relations / Marketing / Advertising Specialist: Understanding cultural trends, consumer behavior, and effective communication strategies, American Studies majors can excel in roles that involve crafting brand narratives, managing public image, and connecting with diverse audiences.
Non-profit Program Manager / Community Development: Graduates are well-prepared to work for non-profit organizations focused on social justice, cultural preservation, urban development, or community engagement. Their ability to analyze societal issues and connect with diverse groups is highly valuable.
Librarian / Information Specialist (with further education): With strong research and organizational skills, American Studies graduates can pursue careers in libraries or information centers, especially those with specialized American history or cultural collections. A Master of Library Science (MLS) is typically required.
Human Resources Specialist: The interdisciplinary understanding of diverse groups, social dynamics, and cultural contexts makes American Studies majors well-suited for human resources roles, particularly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within organizations.
Genealogist / Family Historian: For those fascinated by individual and family narratives within broader historical contexts, the research skills acquired in American Studies can lead to careers helping individuals trace their ancestry and understand their family's place in American history.
