Folklore studies degree overview

A folklore studies degree teaches students about the traditions, beliefs, stories, customs, and cultural practices that people pass down from one generation to another. Students may study myths, legends, fairy tales, folk music, traditional crafts, festivals, rituals, superstitions, and oral traditions. They also explore how folklore reflects the history, values, identity, and everyday life of different communities.

This degree is a good fit for people who are interested in culture, history, storytelling, anthropology, literature, and the ways communities preserve their traditions. Graduates may work in museums, cultural organizations, archives, libraries, education, journalism, tourism, nonprofit organizations, or research. The research, writing, communication, and cultural analysis skills gained through the program can also be useful in careers involving heritage preservation, community programs, and cultural education.

Folklore studies programs offer several ways to study traditional and contemporary cultural expression, including folklore, folk traditions, mythology, storytelling, material culture, music, rituals, and public culture. Students can pursue undergraduate study, graduate degrees, certificates, and related specialized programs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Folklore Studies or a Related Folklore Field: Undergraduate programs are available in fields such as Folklore, Folklore and Public Culture, Folklore and Mythology, and Folk Studies. For example, the University of Oregon offers a B.A. in Folklore and Public Culture, while other universities offer folklore majors or concentrations.
• Minor in Folklore Studies or a Related Folklore Field: Students can add a folklore-focused minor to another bachelor’s degree. Options include folklore, folklore and public culture, and folklore and mythology.
• Certificate in Folklore Studies: Certificate programs provide focused study of folklore without requiring a full degree in the field. Indiana University offers an undergraduate certificate, while George Mason University offers a graduate certificate in Folklore Studies.

A folklore studies degree helps students develop the research, cultural, analytical, and communication skills needed to understand how traditions, beliefs, stories, and cultural practices are created and passed down. Common skills learned include:

• Folklore and Cultural Traditions: Study myths, legends, folk tales, customs, rituals, beliefs, music, crafts, and other traditions. Learn how these practices reflect the values and identities of different communities.
• Oral History and Storytelling: Learn how stories, memories, and traditions are passed from one generation to another. Develop skills in collecting, documenting, and interpreting oral traditions.
• Cultural Analysis: Examine how folklore reflects the history, beliefs, values, and social structures of different cultures. Learn to recognize patterns and meanings within cultural traditions.
• Ethnographic Research: Learn how to study communities and cultural practices through observation, interviews, fieldwork, and other research methods. Develop skills for gathering and documenting cultural information.

A folklore studies degree prepares graduates for careers that combine cultural knowledge, research, communication, writing, and an understanding of traditions and communities. Common career paths include:

• Archivist: Preserve and organize historical documents, recordings, photographs, stories, and other cultural materials. Use research and documentation skills to help protect folklore and cultural heritage for future generations.
• Curator: Develop and manage exhibits that explore cultural traditions, artifacts, folk art, and community history. Use knowledge of folklore to help visitors understand the meaning and significance of cultural materials.
• Researcher: Study folklore, oral traditions, beliefs, customs, and cultural practices. Conduct fieldwork, interviews, and archival research and communicate findings through reports, publications, or presentations.
• Writer: Research and write about folklore, cultural traditions, history, and storytelling for books, magazines, websites, educational materials, or other publications.
• Teacher: Teach subjects such as history, social studies, literature, or cultural studies in schools and educational programs. Use knowledge of folklore and cultural traditions to help students understand different communities and perspectives.
• Cultural Heritage Specialist: Help organizations and communities document, preserve, and promote traditional knowledge, customs, arts, and cultural practices. Work with museums, historical organizations, government agencies, or cultural institutions.