The undergraduate minor in American studies requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in American studies courses (prefix AMST), including 12 s.h. numbered above AMST:1010 Understanding American Cultures taken at the University of Iowa. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. CLAS minors may only be earned concurrent with or subsequent to earning a University of Iowa bachelor's degree. They cannot be granted as standalone credentials or as the sole program of study completed at the University of Iowa.

Students select courses for the minor according to their interests and the recommendation of their advisor.