Program Details
BS in American Studies
Bachelor of ScienceUniversity of Mary Washington
Our major engages you in the interdisciplinary analysis of the complex interactions of peoples, cultures, social structures, and political institutions that shape and have shaped our country. Faculty help students acquire the analysis tools need to explore how Americans have described, housed, educated, and packaged themselves through architecture, books, movies, political speeches, civic celebrations, movies, historic sites, museums, and other venues.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes A minimum of 120 credits are required; all general education, intensives and major requirements must be met. Thirty-one of the 120 credits must be completed at UMW. Fifteen of your last 21 credits must be earned on campus. You must have an overall and major GPA of 2.00. The restrictions below apply to the BA/BS degrees:
*Only 8 credits in SPCH 470 will count *Only 8 credits in THEA 390 will count *Only 12 credits of private music will count *Only 10 credits of ensemble music will count *One 100-level BIOL sequence will count
*BLST/PORT classes do not count toward the degree *Only 9 credits of overlap allowed between double majors This Degree Evaluation is an advising tool to be used in consultation with your major advisor and staff in the Offices of the Registrar and Academic Services. It is not the final approval for degree completion. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between University of Mary Washington and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completing the appropriate transfer degree through VCCS allows students to enter the university as a junior with nearly all general education requirements satisfied. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for guaranteed admission programs and must complete 3 college specific general education courses. All courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | UMW accepts AP, IB and CLEP results for college credit if the scores earned meets college expectations. Enter your test scores into the portal to see if scores will earn credit. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | UMW is a perfectly sized university of 3,700 undergraduates that blends opportunity with community. Set in Fredericksburg, our park-like campus for both residential and commuter students is located fifty miles south of Washington, DC and fifty miles north of Richmond, VA. Fredericksburg is one of the most southern final stops on the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) which has allowed convenient commuter access to DC for internship experiences while studying at UMW. Founded more than 100 years ago, UMW currently offers 80 majors, minors, and programs through our College of Business, Colleges of Education, and College of Arts and Sciences. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Declare intent to transfer to UMW by completing the “GAA Student Letter of Intent form” available at the Office of Admissions website after a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer associate degree is completed at the community college and before applying for graduation from the community college |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with a Specialization in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Human Services Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Human Services | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Health Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration - Outdoor Leadership | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Pre-Medical | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science-Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Veterinary Preparation Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Community & Provider Services Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Developmental Disabilities Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Substance Abuse Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Human Services Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Liberal Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Individualized Study, Major in Individualized Study | Bachelor | Bachelor of Individualized Study | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Individualized Study | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Individualized Study | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Independent Scholars | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Independent Scholars | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in General Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in General Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Elementary & Middle School Education and Teaching BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Elementary Education and Teaching BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Liberal Studies - Special Education BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Liberal Studies BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Elementary Education Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Individualized Study, BIS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Individualized Study | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Applied Science, BAS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Applied Science | 4-Year | Hybrid, In-Person, Online |
| Marymount University | Interdisciplinary Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Psychology Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts University Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Integrated Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Integrated Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Liberal Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Liberal Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Individualized Study, Major in Individualized Study, Concentration in Early Childhood Education Development | Bachelor | Bachelor of Individualized Study | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Individualized Study, Major in Individualized Study, Concentration in Special Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Individualized Study | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Individualized Study, Major in Individualized Study, Concentration in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Individualized Study | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Individualized Study, Major in Individualized Study, Concentration in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Individualized Study | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with a Specialization in Human Services | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies with a Specialization in Substance Abuse | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Specialization in Community & Provider Services | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Specialization Developmental Disabilities | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with Spec in Communications & Media Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies Specialization in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Computer Information Systems Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Mathematics | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Veterinary Preparation | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete

