Planning a course of study

Comparative Cultural Studies encourages students to interrogate the past, understand the present, and influence the future through courses in art history, humanities, the comparative study of religions, Asian studies, and museum studies which foreground critical thinking, analysis, and deep cultural context. Students in our programs have the opportunity to customize their degree programs to their academic interests and career goals.

Earning your Comparative Cultural Studies degrees

As you plan your course schedule, remember to follow the guidelines for the program you are pursuing. For specific degree requirements, review the academic catalog.

Declaring a Comparative Cultural Studies BA or BIS major

If you are a new student:

You will declare a major when you are admitted to the university.

If you are a continuing student:

You will complete the Undergraduate Major/Minor/Certificate Change Form.

Minor: Adding to your degree

A minor is required for the B.A. in Comparative Cultural Studies. Students may choose from the following disciplines to minor in: art history, Asian studies, comparative study of religions, museum studies, or public humanities. Students may also choose multiple minors as they pursue their degree both within and outside of the department. We strongly encourage you to meet with a faculty mentor regarding your minor and in designing a degree that maximizes your education for your career aspirations. Students pursuing the B.A. and would like to add a minor outside of CCS should consider minors in one of the following fields (but are not limited to) in addition to their required CCS minor:  Anthropology, English, Ethnic Studies, French, History, German, Latin American Studies,  Philosophy, Theatre, Studio Art, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Students interested in a career in cultural heritage (such as museums, archives, and cultural heritage sites) might consider an additional minor in Parks and Recreation Management, Anthropology, Languages, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Marketing, Visual Communications, or Computer Science.

The B.IS. in Humanities 90-30 degree does not require a minor but students may still pursue one. We encourage you to speak with your faculty mentor (assigned in LOUIE) about your career goals and how a minor will assist in maximizing your preparation for the future.

Study abroad through global learning opportunities

The Department of Comparative Cultural Studies is committed to expanding students’ understanding of the world through study abroad programs in Italy and India. Learn more about CCS faculty-led summer programs here.

For more information, contact your faculty mentor or your academic advisor.  While we encourage students to participate in our programs, students may also pursue other study abroad programs at NAU. Learn more about study abroad at NAU, including financial aid, tuition, and scholarships, through the Center for International Education.

Internships

Internships provide students with hands-on career experience, an invaluable resource to learn more about your field and determine your future goals and are a required part of the B.A. degree in CCS.  They are not required for the online B.IS. in Humanities degree but student may still purse internships as part of their degree program if they would like. Students should pursue a local, national, or international internship during your third (junior) or fourth (senior) years at the university. CCS does not provide internships but we can assist in finding opportunities. Internships require not only internship hours on site but also additional departmental requirements. Learn more here. For more information, please contact your academic advisor and the CCS Internship Coordinator  Dr. Diana Murtaugh Coleman. Students interested in museum studies or public humanities may contact Dr. Becky Pratt-Sturges, coordinator for these programs, for more information regarding opportunities specific to these fields.

Teaching Assistantships

Seniors with an emphasis in Comparative Study of Religion may apply to be teaching assistants in REL 150: Religions of the World.  Seniors with emphases in Art History and Humanities may also apply to assist with lower division ARH and HUM classes. For more information, please email the department to be referred to the appropriate faculty member.