Department of Comparative Cultural Studies

From ancient traditions to modern movements, culture tells us who we are and where we’re going. As a Comparative Cultural Students major at NAU, you’ll learn to interpret and connect the diverse expressions of humanity.

Cultural heritage jobs are projected to grow faster then average this decade

— US Bureau of Labor Statistics

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 encourages students to think across traditions and histories. Through the International and Global Studies Programs in Asian Studies and Italian Studies, you can add another academic field to cultural study. You can also minor in another field to further connect cultural understanding with your professional goals. This interdisciplinary approach builds analytical depth and global perspective, two advantages that will serve you throughout your 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.

Meet the faculty

Internships and assistantships

Get professional experience before graduation through a teaching assistantship, internship, or faculty-led humanities projects. Students have worked on practical projects like digitally mapping Flagstaff’s religious communities and exploring regional environmental histories.

Public programming

Lectures, film screenings, and the annual Cline Lecture in Humanities are at the heart of Comparative Cultural Studies. Public programming events at NAU have featured world-renowned authors and artists, connecting classroom knowledge to cultural conversations that shape communities and daily life.

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