Students who wish to complete a major in American Studies must complete 36 semester hours of credit with no fewer than 24 hours in courses carrying 300 numbers or above.

Required:

Core course: IDS 300: Introduction to American Studies: "'We the People': An American Journey"
Capstone course: IDS 575: Senior Thesis

Electives: 30 hours
The American Studies curriculum is concentrated in three departmental component areas—American History, American Literature, and American Politics—and one elective component area. Majors will elect nine-hour concentrations in two of the areas and a six-hour concentration in the remaining area.

The remaining curriculum area consists of two three-hour electives from art, journalism, music, philosophy, religion, theatre and speech. An IDS 393 course and an IDS 597 course titled "Special Problems" allow for independent study in more specialized areas. Academic credit for an IDS course is allowed when a proposal for study is accepted by the American Studies director.

A written comprehensive examination is also required.

A minor in American Studies consists of 21 hours:

IDS 300 and two three-hour courses each from American History, American Literature, and American Politics.