Degrees and Programs

Cultural Studies

As a student in cultural studies you will explore the ways in which human beings understand, organize, interpret and communicate their world. You examine and analyze philosophical, literary and artistic expressions, social structures, values, norms, belief systems and historical perspectives across time, place and cultures on issues such as ethics, gender, class and race.

Cultural studies will enhance your awareness and understanding of differences and similarities among people all over the world, including yourself. You will sharpen your skills in writing and research and critical reading and thinking, as, together with a faculty mentor, you create a program to meet your specific needs and goals.

Why a degree in cultural studies?

Students use the critical and analytical skills developed through work in this area of study to prepare for:

Degrees Available

As a regionally accredited college of the State University of New York, Empire State College offers the following degrees in cultural studies:

  • Associate of Arts
  • Associate of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Professional Studies

Taking individual courses as a nondegree student is also possible and will offer you the same range and depth of courses and rigorous standards as matriculated undergraduate students.

Popular Concentrations

  • communications
  • philosophy
  • religious studies
  • writing and literature
  • women's studies
  • African American studies
  • American studies
  • world languages and literature
  • Asian, African or Caribbean area studies
  • ethnicity studies
  • global studies.

You can focus on a single area such as women’s studies, or create an interdisciplinary concentration that connects or combines perspectives exploring a theme or topic.

Sample degree programs

The following illustrate what a degree program might look like. As a student, you will work with a mentor to design a degree plan that meets your educational goals.

Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the degree plans. If Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer, you can download it for free from Adobe.