Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Major in American Studies, Concentration in Constitutional Studies
Bachelor of ArtsChristopher Newport University
American studies employs investigative methodologies drawn from multiple disciplines, including attention to historical process, that involve reading, writing, conducting research, and critically thinking about the nature of American life. In American studies, an interdisciplinary approach is used to examine relevant topics such as region, place, cultural forms expressing American identity, America’s place in the global community, and social constructs of class, gender, and race. Students will have the opportunity for experiential learning and study abroad. A major in American studies is excellent preparation for graduate and professional schools and for careers in journalism, museums, law, government, education, non-profit organizations, and business. The major is comprised of four core courses in American studies (AMST) with the remaining courses selected from approved, related courses from various disciplines as determined by the chosen concentration. Students will work closely with an advisor to ensure their curriculum has coherence, depth, and breadth and that it is consistent with the students’ future plans.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Christopher Newport University 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 | Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) will satisfy the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course.
Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) in high school will satisfy of the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course. Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for VCCS/CNU guaranteed admission programs. VCCS students who complete the associate degree while enrolled in high school and have not enrolled in college in a regular semester (fall/spring) post high school graduation, must apply to CNU as first-time freshmen applicants.
Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport. |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/credit/ |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | At Christopher Newport University, we have approximately 4,500 students with about 200 transfers enrolling each year. We offer more than 90 areas of study, from electrical engineering to philosophy of law, from music performance to accounting. All programs are grounded in our rigorous liberal arts and sciences core curriculum - cited by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni as the strongest core curriculum of any public college or university in America. With 60 percent of our classes having 19 or fewer students, our small class sizes give you direct access to experts in their fields - teacher-scholars who provide outstanding instruction, conduct groundbreaking research (often with your help!), and publish noteworthy books and articles. We also have more than 200 clubs and student organizations and 24 varsity teams that compete in NCAA Division III. We're located in Newport News, Virginia, in the heart of one of the most historic and beautiful areas of the United States. When you venture off campus, you'll find unlimited activities for all interests as well as cultural and historical treasures within a short walk or drive. Our residence halls and apartment complexes win rave reviews from students and parents alike. In fact, The Princeton Review ranked our residence halls among the top in the nation in the group's Best College Dorms category. While transfer students are not required to live on-campus, many do! Housing is offered on a space-available basis. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | By term of entry at CNU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | By term of entry at CNU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | If you attend a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) school and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher, you may be eligible for the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA). GAA students are those who graduate from a transfer-oriented degree program at a Virginia community college within two years of enrollment at Christopher Newport with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher on a four-point scale and who intends to transfer to CNU. Other GAAs exist for Virginia Peninsula, Rappahannock, and Richard Bland. Please visit our website: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/
You must complete a Letter of Intent to transfer to CNU under the GAA after a minimum of 15 credit hours is completed toward the associate degree and before applying for graduation from the community college. You must maintain continuous enrollment in all non-summer terms from the point of declaration until the associate degree is conferred and must transfer to Christopher Newport in the semester designated under the Letter of Intent. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hollins University | BA Interdisciplinary Major | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Sweet Briar College | Bacheolor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in Interdisciplinary Studies Liberal Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Interdisciplinary Studies Liberal Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - Military Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - Online | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - 3 Year Degree Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Africana Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Film & Media Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Gender/Sexuality & Womens Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Medieval/Renaissance Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Self-Designed Major, Interdisciplinary Studies - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Self-Designed Major, Interdisciplinary Studies - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Interdisciplinary Studies-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Interdisciplinary Studies-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Leadership-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Old Dominion University | Professional Writing-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Cybercrime-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Old Dominion University | Game Studies & Design-BS IDS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Technology Leadership-BS IDS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Not Specified |
Bluefield University | BA in Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | B.S. in Professional Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

Cost To Complete
