Degree Overview: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in European Studies
Majors Overview August 16, 2014Students enrolled in European studies majors are provided the opportunity of studying histories, business models, languages, cultural environments, economic structures and philosophies of European nations.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Programs in European Studies
Students enrolled in an often multidisciplinary undergraduate degree program in European studies are prepared to seek careers in education, journalism, business, or international law. Schools most commonly offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in European Studies for those who seek enrollment in the European studies major. A major in a foreign language or world history, among other similar subjects, is chosen by the majority of students who wish to study European culture or history. However, 4-year undergraduate degree programs in European studies are offered at some schools.
The design of the degree programs enables their coincidence with other majors in journalism, business or art, and students enrolled in the programs can seek international careers in the respective fields. Students enrolled in some schools are given the options of numerous concentrations within the European studies degree programs, including:
•European politics and society
•European religion and philosophy
•European fine arts and literature
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a high school diploma, in addition to a strong grade point average. Enrollment to some schools also requires incoming students to demonstrate fluency in a European language other than English, as well as a strong background in communications, history and geography.
Coursework
Coursework can vary according to the student’s particular area of interest. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Principles of macroeconomics
•Global geography
•Literature of the Western world
•European economic history
•Disciplinary learning in the social sciences
•Historical and cultural European foundations
•World civilization since the 16th century
•Modern European history
•History of philosophy
•Introduction to Christianity
•The ascent of man
•Art and civilization
Career Choices
Students who complete a multidisciplinary European studies program can choose from various career options in the fields of liberal arts and business, including:
•Classical historian
•International journalist
•Economist
•Diplomat
•Historian
•Translator
•International trader
•International law specialist
•Filmmaker
•Artist
Job and Wage Outlook
A faster-than-average job growth rate of 42% has been predicted for interpreters and translators, over the 2010 – 2020 decade. During the same period, film producers and directors, and historians are expected to see respective growth rates of 11% and 18%. During the same decade, economists, and craft and fine artists are expected to witness slower-than-average employment growth rates of 6% and 5%, respectively (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
In May 2012, interpreters and translators brought in an average annual wage of $45,430, while film producers and directors, historians, economists, and fine artists banked respective average annual wages of $71,350, $52,480, $91,860 and $44,850.
Continuing Education Choices
Master’s and doctoral degree programs in European studies are being offered by many schools in the country. Students enrolled in such programs are required to concentrate on a single specific aspect of European studies, such as classical art or modern economic history. Graduate level programs may encourage or require students to spend some portion of time or a semester in a “study abroad” program. Schools also encourage participation in professional experiences and internships with international not-for-profit agencies, businesses or corporation.
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