Cultural Studies Degrees

Students in cultural studies programs get a chance to study and analyze philosophical, literary and artistic expressions across belief systems and cultures. They also get to explore cross-cultural and historical perspectives on issues such as race, classes and ethics. Degree in cultural studies can lead students to various career paths. Graduates can pursue positions such as cultural researcher, teacher, media producer, documentary filmmaker or artist. They can also become a program developer, museum administrator or executive director. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of film producers and directors is projected to grow 11% from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job outlook for postsecondary teachers also looks good with 17% projected job growth during the same decade. Employment of art administrators that is defined as art directors by the BLS is also anticipated to grow.

Cultural Studies Degrees
Degrees in cultural studies are offered at the undergraduate as well as graduate levels. Students can work towards the traditional humanities disciplines such as literature or philosophy or professional fields such as communications or journalism. In addition, they can also pursue interdisciplinary areas such as global studies or American studies. Earning a degree in cultural studies help students develop critical thinking and research skills. They also get a chance to acquire skills in writing and speaking.

The cultural studies programs provide students with a thorough understanding of cultures. Students also get to investigate the social and political dimensions of culture. The PhD programs are also available in cultural studies and make a suitable option for the students who want to teach or take up research positions.

Online Degree Programs in Cultural Studies
Some distance learning schools also offer degree programs in cultural studies. The online degrees allow students to pursue a degree from the comfort of their homes. Students do not have to attend classes physically. They simply need to have a computer and an internet connection in order to participate in these programs. Working professionals who seek additional credentials for career advancement can work towards the online degrees programs in this area of study and acquire a variety of skills that can help them qualify for senior level or more rewarding jobs in an area of their interest.

Admissions Requirements
To pursue a degree in cultural studies, students need to hold a high school diploma GED. They may also have to provide letters or recommendations and appear for interview. Other admissions’ factors may vary by school or type of program.

Career Outlook
Students with degrees in cultural studies can work across a wide range of areas, including arts administration, journalism, policy analysis as well as theatre and creative arts management. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for art directors/administrators was $80, 630 while broadcast news analysts made $54,140 in 2010. The median annual wage of postsecondary teachers in 2010 was $62,050.

Finding a School
While looking for cultural studies programs, students must see to the accreditation of a school. They should also find out if they can get financial aid in addition to exploring other important details about these programs including the course content, duration and learning outcomes.