American Studies is the interdisciplinary study of United States culture in all its varied aspects. Students learn to connect history, art, politics, religion, popular culture, literature, and other features of American life and to examine both the differences and the similarities among, for example, different racial and ethnic groups, historical periods, and media. Students may wish to focus their coursework in the minor around a particular topic, either chronologically or thematically. Examples include but are not limited to: a specific historical period (for example, the twentieth century); race, ethnicity, gender, or class in America; popular culture; the arts; Native American studies; regional studies; urban, rural, and natural environments; or, American institutions (such as education, sports, religion).

To earn a minor in American studies, students must complete five courses approved to satisfy minor requirements. At least one of those courses must concentrate on issues of race, gender, or ethnicity. No more than three courses may be at the 400 or 500 level, and no more than two courses may be taken in the same department. Students must earn a C-minus or better for a course to count toward minor requirements and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average in all courses taken for the minor.