Careers in American Studies

The BA in American Studies prepares students for exciting careers that emphasize creativity, writing, analysis, communication, research, and civic engagement.  Graduates of the American Studies Department are able to pursue careers in journalism, the arts, museums, government, law, media, or education. Many business organizations value American Studies training for work in public relations, marketing, advertising, diversity outreach, and tourism. Foundations, agencies, arts institutions, and non-profit organizations make extensive use of the broad education students receive in American Studies.

A graduate of American Studies can explore opportunities within many kinds of work environments, including: Archives, Art Museums, Art Management Groups, Business Enterprises, Cultural Organizations, Discovery Museums, Living History Museums, Galleries, Government Offices, Historical Societies, Labor Unions, Law Firms, Magazines, National Parks, Natural History Museums, Planetariums, Publishers, Radio Stations, Retail Headquarters, Schools, Science Centers, Software Companies, Social Services, Television Studios, Think Tanks, Tourist Bureaus, and Universities.

Careers in Sport Studies

The BA in Sport Studies builds and fosters a set of skills highly valued by employers. The major stresses critical thinking, problem solving, independent thinking, as well as written and oral language skills. According to a recent Wall Street Journal survey, most employers recognize and value these abilities.

In addition to the core courses that develop these foundations, the major also requires that students complete a 15-credit hour secondary area of interest. This is an opportunity for students to shape the degree with their specific interests and career goals in mind. A strong working relationship with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication allows many students to prepare for careers in sport media. Courses on reporting and writing, multimedia storytelling, and television production, and new media keep students at the forefront of a fast-changing industry. The Tippie School of Business’s Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management provides training for careers in sports business, sports law, and community organizations. Students can also prepare for a career in coaching by pursuing the Coaching Authorization program. The Pomerantz Career Center provides guidance for securing internships, which may count as credit towards completion of the secondary area of interest.

Sport Studies graduates have pursued careers as broadcasters, producers, researchers, and writers. Others work for sports organizations and athletic departments as media relations professionals, or help to direct sports marketing campaigns. Some work for community organizations, teach and coach, or conduct research in for-profit and non-profit settings. Recent graduates have gone on to work for organizations such as ESPN, the Boston Globe, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Graduate School

While many of our graduates pursue exciting careers in the private and public sectors, others wish to seek additional training through graduate studies. They may pursue the masters and doctoral degrees in fields as diverse as American Studies, Business, Communications, Education, Ethnic Studies, History, Law, Library and Information Science, Medicine, Museum Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, and Social Work. Graduate programs around the country regard an American Studies degree as ideal preparation for the rigors of graduate school, because of the interdisciplinary training we provide our students with and because of our attention to learning about and engaging with various aspects of cultural diversity.

Career Resources for UI Undergraduate Students

The Pomerantz Career Center provides high-quality resources and services to students, alumni, and employers. The site has information designed to help you move through the various stages of the job search process, including the Handshake@UIowa website as well as information on upcoming employer visits, internships, and careers after college.

Schedule an Appointment with a Career Advisorhttps://careers.uiowa.edu/coaching
Attend a Job, Internship, or Career Fairhttps://careers.uiowa.edu/career-fairs
Finding and Creating Internshipshttps://careers.uiowa.edu/internships/finding-your-internship
Interview Practicehttps://careers.uiowa.edu/mocks
Job Search and Resume Basicshttps://careers.uiowa.edu/resumes
Post-Graduation Placement Information and Statisticshttps://careers.uiowa.edu/post-grad-data