American Studies encourages a small-college atmosphere within a large state university. Majors receive the benefits of both institutional models: 1) the individual attention and guidance of a liberal arts college and 2) the numerous resources and diversity of courses and experiences offered by a large research institution.
Students who have graduated with the degree in American Studies have gone on to establish successful careers in education, journalism and media production, public policy, law, public relations and business. Some of the opportunities afforded students include engagement with public history and monument projects, internships, and working on the management team and volunteering for the New Jersey Folk Festival, one of the largest and best attended events organized by Rutgers University and housed in the department.