Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about United States Studies.
View full program detailsProgram information
This program will significantly increase your understanding of the United States and its institutions and policies. Your coursework will span topics in economics, political science, history, and more.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Arts
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
What you'll learn
The influence of the United States is felt all over the world, and perhaps nowhere more than in Canada. With the U.S. so close geographically and economically, it is essential that Canadians better understand their neighbour.
The U.S. Studies program offers an exciting interdisciplinary program through the collaboration of the departments of Political Science, Economics, and History. You will combine coursework across departments and gain an in depth understanding of U.S. politics, economics, and history. You will take courses in areas as diverse as the Presidency, African-American history, and American foreign policy.
The program will provide Canadian government, corporations, and other institutions with graduates who have an excellent understanding of the U.S. and Canada-U.S. relations, and allow them to respond to employment opportunities across North America.
Although the UBC Library is not an official depository library for the U.S. federal government, it possesses a very significant collection of official U.S. publications in print, digital and microformat.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within United States Studies. Here are a few you might like.
The history of capitalism in its global dimension from the beginnings to the age of industrialization. An investigation of economies – in both their practices and cultures – around the world and across the ages from ancient times to the modern era.
Survey from the colonial period to the present, examining the political system, slavery, the Civil War, race relations and civil rights, westward expansion, industrialisation, feminism, expanding international presence, the Cold War, and modern culture.
Evolution and contemporary significance of nuclear weapons and arms control policy and technology from the perspective of the physical and life sciences and the social sciences and humanities.
U.S. foreign policy and international history. Political, economic, and cultural relationships between the United States and other peoples, organizations, and states worldwide.
Outcomes
Your career opportunities will vary widely across a range of fields including government, non-profit, business, law, journalism, tourism, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests.
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about United States Studies.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about United States Studies.
View full program details