Saint Louis University's American studies program uses film, food, fashion, buildings, sports, popular media, the environment, art, literature and historical texts in order to understand the diverse cultures of the United States and its place in the world in the past and present. American studies is interdisciplinary, using a variety of sources and methods (literature, social science, film and community institutions) to understand American cultures. American studies is global and diverse, paying close attention to international and regional relations, as well as to the variety of racial, ethnic, religious and other communities within and around its borders. American studies is practical, which means the everyday is taken as seriously as the esoteric, and the lessons learned in the classroom are applied to work in communities and public institutions. As a result, SLU's American studies degree trains students in critical thinking, complex problem solving, and clear written and oral communication. American studies graduates from SLU have experience working in diverse groups and applying their knowledge to the world around them. These are sought-after skills transferable to a variety of fields. Graduates from SLU's American studies program have gone on to work in higher and secondary education, media and communications, nonprofit organizations, government, political organizing, social work, law, museums and other cultural institutions.<br><br>A degree in American studies provides a broad education that prepares graduates for careers that emphasize creative thinking, strong writing, critical analysis, clear communication, skilled research and civic and community engagement. The following list is just a small sample of jobs for American studies graduates: Curator, Editor, Exhibit designer, Foundation director, Grant writer, Journalist, Labor organizer, Lawyer, Librarian, Nonprofit management, Politician, Professor, Public policy analyst, Public relations, Social worker, Speechwriter and Teacher.