Learn about the topics covered in cultural studies undergraduate programs, and find out what classes are offered in these programs. Find out what career opportunities might need this kind of education.
What Are the Requirements for the Cultural Studies Major?
Cultural studies is an interdisciplinary liberal arts field that incorporates disciplines like gender studies, film, language and music. Bachelor's degree programs in the field are usually offered on campus, but hybrid programs, which combine online and classroom learning, do exist. These hybrid programs incorporate asynchronous online courses and campus-based daytime and evening classes. You could also choose to take an online minor in cultural studies.
The program usually takes about four years to complete. You will explore the social, economic and political decisions that have shaped cultures, learning how these decisions affect men, women and children. At some schools, you can select a concentration, such as media production, global outreach, social philosophy or community development. You may also have to complete an internship or a study abroad experience in order to graduate.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Learning Environment</b></td><td> Traditional classroom and hybrid programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Hip-hop, world religions, social activism, history of Judaism, food in culture</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Potential Careers</b></td><td> Editor, news reporter, community organizer, advertising agent, research assistant</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $69,600 (for social and community service managers)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 17% (for social and community service managers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Through the cultural studies major, you will have the opportunity to be exposed to other cultures and worldviews. You may have the opportunity to explore a variety of cultural groups and peoples from around the globe. You will study the history, creative endeavors and philosophies of different cultural, ethnic and geographical groups through media like film, literature, music and art. Some topics could include:
</p><ul><li>Issues and trends in cultural studies
</li><li>World religions
</li><li>Dance and music
</li><li>History of Judaism
</li><li>Sex and gender in the Middle East
</li><li>Food in culture
</li><li>Hip-hop
</li><li>Social activism through art
</li><li>Effects of culture and technology on culture
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseThisDegree">How Can I Use this Degree?</h3><p>A bachelor's degree in cultural studies can prepare you to enter a master's or doctoral degree program in a variety of humanities and social science disciplines, depending on the focus of your coursework. For example, if you studied Latin American culture for the bulk of your undergraduate cultural studies program, you may be able to earn a graduate degree in Spanish or Latin American studies. Other potential areas of graduate study include anthropology, history, film studies, music, art history, literature, language and linguistics, political science and gender studies.
</p><p>Liberal arts bachelor's degree program graduates have a wide variety of career options influenced by their course of study. Since cultural studies majors typically get a lot of practice analyzing cultures and writing papers, job prospects immediately after graduation may include editing, work in the nonprofit sector, advertising industry work, community organizing, news reporting and working as a research assistant to a cultural studies professor.</p>
