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The American Studies Department offers students two distinct but interconnected undergraduate majors -- American Studies and Media & Communications -- along with a graduate degree in Liberal Studies.
Our programs develop within students an enhanced understanding of the meanings of citizenship and foster a critical understanding of events and issues defining the nation in the past and present.
Undergraduate Offerings
Graduate Offerings
Renovated Media Innovation Center Debuts
A central hub of activity for students in the Media & Communications major is the Media Innovation Center, which in Fall 2023 re-opened after more than $1 million in renovations were conducted to create modern media laboratory committed to multimedia content instruction, production and distribution.
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Faculty Spotlight
Laura Chipley and Samara Smith earned a second National Endowment for the Humanities grant to support the development of the "Virtual Aquapolis" immersive virtual reality project.
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Student Media
Students for more than 40 years have launched successful careers in national, regional and local media after gaining practical experience on staff at a SUNY Old Westbury student media outlet.