Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the analysis and critique of culture in its varied forms, including values, ideas, belief systems, and expressive acts, and the relationship between cultural forms, everyday life, and structures of power. Includes instruction in anthropology, communications, history, literary studies, philosophy, political economy, and sociology, as well as recent theories and methodologies such as semiotics, deconstruction, postcolonial studies, gender theory, and ethnography.
- Schools offering
- 33
- Annual completions
- 199
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $37k
About this major
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the analysis and critique of culture in its varied forms, including values, ideas, belief systems, and expressive acts, and the relationship between cultural forms, everyday life, and structures of power. Includes instruction in anthropology, communications, history, literary studies, philosophy, political economy, and sociology, as well as recent theories and methodologies such as semiotics, deconstruction, postcolonial studies, gender theory, and ethnography.
Examples of specialized tracks: Cultural Studies, Critical Theory and Analysis.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary teachers, all other | $78k | +1.8% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Social scientists and related workers, all other | $100k | -1.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary | $84k | +2.4% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$37k
Top colleges for Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire State University | Saratoga Springs, NY | 3 | 69 | 72 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 19 | 19 |
| College of Micronesia-FSM | Pohnpei, FM | 17 | 0 | 17 |
| Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Willamette University | Salem, OR | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon | Santurce, PR | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| American Public University System | Charles Town, WV | 0 | 7 | 7 |