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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

What can I do with a major in american studies?

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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

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Companies:
United Nations Foundation
CNN
Bloomberg

Titles:
Logistics Coordinator
International Research Associate
Analyst

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY: 3,173
Employers in US: 45,412

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Education
Areas

Elementary School Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
College and University Professor
Historic Site Education Director
Museum Docent/Curator
Historical Consultant
Contract Archivist
Historian
Writer
Documentary filmmaker
Grant Writer

Employers

School districts
Colleges and universities
Non-profit organizations

Sample occupations

Complete a college level teacher preparation program.
Obtain teaching certificate/license for desired subject area and/or grade level. Requirements for certification/licensure vary by state.
Earn Ph.D. to teach and research at four-year institutions. Master's or Ph.D. degree is required to teach at two-year schools.
Seek part-time or summer employment in a museum.
Develop excellent writing skills for preparing grant applications.

Research
Areas

Historian
Policy Advisor
Planner
Evaluator
Policy Analyst
Cultural Resources Management
Historic Preservation
Research Analyst
Insurance Underwriter

Employers

Museums
Libraries
Visitors bureaus
Product sales firms
Insurance companies
Consulting firms

Sample occupations

Take summer or part-time jobs at local tourist attractions/historical sights.
Volunteer for local/national campaigns.
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
Get involved in campus political/historical organizations.

Information Management
Areas

Library Science
Archival Management
Records Management
Historical Preservationist
Prints and Photography
Collections Specialist
Cultural Heritage Tourism

Employers

Libraries
Museums
Visitors bureaus
Recreational parks

Sample occupations

Develop excellent grammar, writing and oral communication skills.
Consider graduate school for library science.

Business
Areas

Banking
Insurance
Stock Analyst
Advertising
Communications Media
Marketing

Employers

Product sales firms
Insurance companies
Hospitals
Consulting firms

Sample occupations

Learn how to write persuasively.
Knowledge of government policies and historical trends is beneficial in many different industries.
Develop excellent computer skills.
Obtain leadership experience in student or community organizations.

Social and Public Service
Areas

Community Service Worker
Cultural Affairs Officer
Legislative Aid/Political Staffer
Non-Profit Foundation Manager
Government Staffer/Policy
Analyst
Attorney
Paralegal
FBI Special Agent
Politician
Lobbyist

Employers

Federal, state, or local government
Mental health facilities
Public interest lobby groups
Non-profit organizations

Sample occupations

Get involved in student government or special interest groups.
Complete an internship with a government agency.
In order to become an attorney, you need to attend graduate school to earn a J.D. and take the Bar exam.
Seek an internship or volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

Communications and Media
Areas

Publisher
Technical Writer
Investigative Reporter
Editorial Assistant
Public Relations Specialist
News Analyst
Marketing Director

Employers

TV/radio/print news agencies
Public relations firms
Sales and marketing firms

Sample occupations

Write for campus publications.
Develop public speaking and debate skills.

General information and strategies

  • Become familiar with the government application process for opportunities in local, state or federal government
  • For careers in arts and humanities, obtain a broad liberal arts background including knowledge of the arts, personal and mass communication, and foreign languages.
  • Get involved in student government or special interest groups.
  • Complete an internship with a government agency.
  • Volunteer for local/national campaigns