A minor in American Studies gives St. John’s students essential
preparation for career occupational sectors that have some of the
strongest growth in the United States. According to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics, these sectors include administration, management,
public relations, market research, law and
education.1 Each of these careers demands a high
level of critical thinking, writing skills and experience in
research. American Studies courses helps students meet this demand
with a curriculum focused on the academic skills that employers
require.
Because an American Studies minor focuses students on the study of
the United States, past and present, they are uniquely prepared to
master still another skill that for-profit and corporate employers
need from new employees: the ability to communicate, work with,
understand and serve a diverse population.2 With its
range of courses that embrace the full array of cultures in the
United States, American Studies offers St. John’s students an
education in diversity that no graduate should be without.
An American Studies minor is a vital component of St. John’s
pre-law curriculum and a traditional launching pad for law school
students. Law schools and firms want students to have the breadth
of liberal arts knowledge that the minor provides. Because the
courses in American Studies also address social problems and
challenges that face the United States today, students are also
well prepared for careers in wide range of community services, from
arts and culture to public health and social work.
For students seeking careers in government, public policy and urban
planning, a minor in American Studies is a perfect stepping stone.
It gives students the opportunities to expand their knowledge of
government and policy in the United States with courses in American
literature, history, philosophy, theology and culture. The
grounding in civic education that students receive with an American
Studies is yet another important priority named by prospective
employers of new college students.
An American Studies minor brings the best of the humanities
together with the real world impact of the social sciences. As a
result, it is specially suited for the St. John’s student looking
to make a difference and extend their commitment to the St. John’s
Vincentian mission by making a career out of serving the less
fortunate. American Studies is perfect preparation for careers in
non-profit management, economic development and social
advocacy.
For assistance planning the transition from a minor in American
Studies to a career, contact the Career Center or Dr. Fanuzzi at fanuzzir@stjohns.edu.
1 See the United States Bureau
of Labor Statistics’ “Career Guide to Industries” http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/
2 For more information, see the Association of American
Colleges and Universities’ Project LEAP report, “The Essential
Learning Outcomes.”
http://www.aacu.org/leap/documents/EssentialOutcomes_Chart.pdf