For Students
Academic Programs
The American studies major and minor focuses primarily on the American founding and its legacy. The four core courses for the major are centered on the theme of the founding and evolution of the great “American Experiment” in democracy, capitalism and self-government.
The minor in U.S. National Security Studies explores the rich, and often controversial, legacy of U.S. diplomatic and national security policies from its founding to the present, beginning with the principles of U.S. foreign policy rooted in the Constitution and tracing the evolution of U.S. national security through the Cold War and Post-Cold War eras.
The minor also examines the specific internal mechanisms by which national security policies are formulated, as well as the theoretical debates in international relations scholarship on the nature of the international system, the role of power, calculations of national interest, and the effect of institutions such as international law in governing state behavior.
The minor explores the political and historical contexts of current regional conflict areas; and the “new dimensions” of U.S. national security, including WMD proliferation, ethnic conflict and conflict resolution; the “War on Terrorism”; and human, environmental, and energy security.
Internships
The Center for American Studies offers student internships within the center and facilitates internship programs opportunities with private companies, nonprofits and government agencies, such as Business Executives for National Security and United States Investigations Services. We also offer students networking opportunities through events and conferences.
CAS Junior Fellows Junior fellows engage in original research with a CAS faculty mentor, present research at academic conferences, receive training in archival research and copy editing, and provide assistance on center programming.
This is a supportive community that allows each and every student to achieve their goals.
Hanna McCune
My time with the CAS has given me marketable skills which helped me become a more competitive candidate in today’s job market.
Kelly Hazzard
The classes I have taken through the program have always been interesting, thought-provoking and have challenged me to think critically about a wide range of topics.
Jordan Winnett
I have learned professionalism, honed research skills, networked with experts and built long lasting relationships.
Grace Sharlun
In studying works written by some of America’s greatest politicians, philosophers and activists, I have developed enhanced perspectives on the history and evolution of social, political and economic institutions in this country.
Scott Bledsoe
