Department of Comparative Cultural Studies

Exploring the threads that connect us all

Comparative Cultural Studies at NAU is all about seeing the connections between people, beliefs, and ideas across time. Here, you’ll learn how art, religion, and culture shape human experience, and how understanding these connections can open minds and inspire change. 

Guided by passionate faculty, you’ll develop a global perspective and the tools to analyze and interpret the world around you. Wherever your curiosity leads you in life, with a degree in Comparative Cultural Studies from NAU, you’ll be a catalyst for progress.

Why study Comparative Cultural Studies at NAU

At NAU, you'll study topics ranging from art history and visual culture to comparative religions and museum studies. Through an interdisciplinary approach, you’ll develop analytical skills for a career in cultural heritage, education, government, law, museums, archives, or nonprofits.

Learning outcomes

As a Comparative Cultural Studies major at NAU, you will: 

• Apply critical thinking and analytical methods to interpret cultural, religious, and artistic practices.

•  Identify global perspectives, values, and claims made in original works and analyze current issues using those approaches. 
• Demonstrate cultural literacy and comparative awareness across interdisciplinary methods. 
• Assess the validity of arguments, evidence, and conclusions in scholarly proposals regarding global cultural expressions. 
• Apply arts and cultural management principles to develop creative solutions to real-world problems.  

Scholarships

Students in Comparative Cultural Studies degree programs have access to a range of scholarships based on area of study, like Asian studies, religion, art history, as well as merit awards recognizing academic performance.

The interdisciplinary advantage

The Department of Comparative Cultural Studies follows an interdisciplinary approach that requires students to think across cultures and disciplines to fully understand the people, places, and ideas that make our world go round. Through multidisciplinary curricula, students become conversant in the cultural dynamics needed to develop new insight into complex problems. The International and Global Studies Programs (IGP) in Asian Studies or Italian Studies gives you the chance to pair a science or business degrees with deep cultural competencies. Our minors take you deeper into the world of art, ideas, and religion, preparing you for a meaningful career.

Dedicated support

Faculty

You’ll be supported every step of the way by faculty who are deeply invested in your success. Professors mentor you through research and fieldwork, helping you connect what you're studying with where you want to go.

Internships and assistantships

Get professional experience before graduation through teaching assistantships, internships, and faculty-led humanities research. Whether locally with Flagstaff cultural heritage, religious, or environmental sites, or nationally with organizations like the Smithsonian Museums or the Disney Corporation, students become career ready while pursuing their passion for the humanities.

Public programming

Comparative Cultural Studies takes pride in its rich and regular community lectures, discussions, and film screenings. Find yourself at our popular LET'S ANIME! event, explore the history of art theft at a Museum Studies lecture, or engage hot topics from the world of culture, religion, art history, or Asian studies. Meet iconic authors, artists, thinkers, and practitioners who just might blow your mind.

Events

Expand your understanding of culture, creativity, and community through events that spark conversation and curiosity. Hosted by the Department of Comparative Cultural Studies and CAL, these gatherings invite you to explore new ideas and see the world through different lenses.