BA in Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature
The major in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature (CSCL) is a flexible and multidisciplinary BA program in the Liberal Arts. Our courses examine the ways global cultural and artistic practices reflect and transform modes of knowing, of feeling, of acting politically, and underpin conceptions of both individual and collective social identity. The CSCL curriculum covers a wide range of media and art forms, from literature, cinema, popular culture, music, and the visual arts. The department places a particular focus on the power of ideas; we like to think about how abstract questions in philosophy and theory address concrete problems in our material world.
CSCL strives for a broad, international scope, and ranges widely across history and geography. We aim to produce critical, thoughtful, and well-rounded citizens prepared to work in a wide range of careers from media and journalism to academia, law, politics, medicine, nonprofit work in schools, libraries, archives, museums, and community organizations, to advertising, business, entertainment, and other creative fields. Many of our graduates are path-breaking intellectuals, artistic innovators, and committed participants in social struggles that will shape our collective future.
Transfer Guide
If you are exploring or planning to transfer to CLA, learning more about your intended major is important.
Click on the ” Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.
Courses to Prepare for the Major
Two introductory 1xxx-level courses are part of the Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature (CSCL) major requirements. For this major requirement and to explore your interest, consider taking one intro to film, global cinema, or world literature course that can be used in place of one of these departmental courses (one 1xxx-level community college cinema or world literature course may be used in the major):
- CSCL 1001 - Introduction to Cultural Studies: Rhetoric, Power, Desire
- CSCL 1101 - Literature
- CSCL 1201W - Cinema (equivalent to SCMC 1201W at UMTC)
- CSCL 1202W - Media: Word, Image, Sound (equivalent to SCMC 1202W at UMTC)
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.
Transferring Courses and Credits
Use Transferology to help you plan your courses for the major. Remember, when using Transferology, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses.
Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for courses you would like to use towards the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated, you can submit an evaluation request to find out if your course is equivalent to a specific UMTC course. A copy of the course syllabus is required for the evaluation.
Declaring the Major
Transfer students must apply and be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts in order to declare a major. Check out the information on the Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature declaration process on the Declare page.
BA Second Language Requirement
The BA degree does have a second language requirement. Consider completing or starting your second language before you transfer to CLA. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor about any questions.
Who Can Help as You Plan Your Transfer
- CLA Transfer Advising - CLA Transfer Advisors are ready to assist you as you plan your transfer to CLA. The Transfer to CLA website provides additional information to help you in your transfer exploration and planning.
- Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature Advising- The departmental advisor can answer questions that are specific to the major.
- Office of Admissions - Requirements for admission to CLA are not the same as the requirements to declare a major. Read through the CLA Transfer Admissions requirements to learn more, and contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.
If you are a current UMTC student or a UM-Rochester student, you will use the
Change of College application process.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and cultural studies & comparative literature majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include strong critical thinking skills within a cultural context, engaging diversity, as well as oral and written communication.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "AIS" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA-specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
- USA Jobs
- Public Service Careers (Check out “Why Public Service?”)
Student Groups
Professional Organizations
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Editorial Intern, Free Spirit Publishing Inc.
- Community Productions Intern, Saint Paul Neighborhood Network
- Editorial Intern, Experience Life Magazine
- Staff Writer, The Black Sheep
Entry-Level
- Executive Editor, St. Thomas Intercultural Human Rights Law Review
- Editor, Jagged Edge
- Author/Editor-Ster, Literacy Enterprises
Experienced
- Communications and Events Manager, Arts for LA
- Editor, Splice Here
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Development Intern, Park Square Theatre
- Communication & Design Intern, Transition Town Hall - All St. Anthony Park
- Communications and Cultural Project Intern, Irish in Britain
- Operations Intern, Frogtown Farm
Entry-Level
- Producer, CKS Group
Experienced
- Senior Producer, Funny Garbage
- Morning Host, KZNR:FM
- Internet Content Producer/Morning Show Host, KQRS-FM: Citadel Broadcasting
- Theater Warehouse Manager, KBR
- Freelance Video Editor
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Entry-Level
- Recruiter, New York Life Insurance Company
- Human Resources Manager, Dashe and Thomson
- Professional Healthcare Representative, Pfizer
- National Accounts Manager, Evenium Inc.
- Inside Sales Representative, Glass Door
- Regional Manager, AEKus Properties Inc.
- Associate Development Officer, UMN Foundation
- Human Resources Generalist, UMN
- Marketing Coordinator, Ellerbe Becket
- Senior Bilingual Registered Representative, Aetna/ING Financial Services
- Director of Franchising, GNC
Experienced
- Assistant Manager, Untiedt's Garden Market
- Assistant Project Manager, Kellison Company
- Human Resources Manager, Bluefly*
- Managing Director of Field Operation, ASAFO Global Medical Trust*
- District Multi-State Manager/Independent Business Consultant, JoAnn Stores
- Sales Executive, Spectrus Real Estate Group
- Regional Team Leader, Whole Foods Market
- Diversity and Inclusion Manager, 3M*
- Senior Consultant, Bridgehead International Ltd*
- Recruitment Manager, Robert Half Technology
- Human Resources Manager, Steven Alan*
- Project Manager, McCann Erickson
- Assistant Vice President, Merrill Lynch*
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Intern, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office
- Legal Services Intern, Tubman
- Social Media & Recruitment Intern, Fund for Public Interest
Entry-Level
- Law Clerk, Becker & Polikoff
- Field Organizer, Betsy Hodges for Mayor
- Automated Logistical Specialist, US Army
- Small Business Development Volunteer/Project Manager, U.S. Peace Corps
Experienced
- India Program Director, Lifeworks International