New online certificate prepares grad students for complex challenges of US democracy


Student smiling while typing on a laptop.

The new American Studies graduate certificate allows students to explore the different experiences that make up the United States, the global impact of the U.S. and how diverse communities work together to achieve social change. ASU photo

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If United States politics in the 2020s have revealed anything so far, it’s that the U.S. has a complex history with ramifications that still powerfully resound today. 

In order to help students explore these complexities, Arizona State University is now offering an American studies program through the School of Social Transformation, with an exciting new addition tailored to online graduate students.

ASU Online launched the new American studies graduate certificate, offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, further expanding its courses for students seeking online education.

This new certificate allows students to explore the different experiences that make up the United States, the global impact of the U.S. and how diverse communities work together to achieve social change.

This online certificate allows students to adjust the pace and content of the courses to their needs by meeting learners where they are at, geographically and in their careers.

The American studies certificate consists of interdisciplinary inquiries into the diverse cultures, global impact, social systems, gendered experiences, socioeconomic realities and political thought of the United States. 

"This certificate will prepare students with the interdisciplinary education and training to help them address the complex challenges facing our society today," said Rudy Guevarra, a professor of American studies.

The field of American studies has evolved to include an understanding of diversity in U.S. society, how the U.S. national community represents and imagines itself, how this resonates globally and the role of social movements seeking to achieve political, legal and economic change.

This certificate program facilitates careers in policy, education and teaching, urban planning, sustainability, sociopolitical movements, environmental impacts, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, government, journalism, law and justice, public safety and health.

With the abundance of degrees, certificates and minors the School of Social Transformation offers, students have the ability to choose from a variety of courses. The American studies graduate program is well suited to be paired with other professional degrees.

Students can complete the certificate within one to two years, as it was designed with working professionals in mind, and students can study at a pace that best fits their lifestyle. Learn more about the American studies online certificate here

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