Last Updated on January 17, 2023

Get direct information on African American Studies bachelor’s degree programmes and find out what you can do with an African American Studies degree right here on College learners today. Collegelearners is all you need when looking for the perfect school to fit your needs, especially for a Bachelor’s degree. You can also learn more about PhD programmes in African American Studies, Masters programmes in African American Studies, and Bachelors programmes in African American Studies at specific universities. This little gem has everything you need to know about bachelor’s degrees in African American studies.

I guess I’ll start at the beginning: I am an instructor within this department. The curriculum I teach is called “African-American Studies”. It’s a concentration within the university’s major in African- American Studies, and it’s designed for students who are interested in learning about African people in the United States and around the world. There are two reasons why you should take this concentration.

First, the department has been around since 1973—which means we’ve been teaching fellow students about problems, issues, and issues surrounding African-Americans for nearly 50 years! Given that time period, we’re pretty well-versed in our field and able to provide students with the most up-to-date information and perspectives on such issues as race, discrimination, politics, and history of African people in America.

Second—well, it’s probably not super important why you should take this concentration (although it could be), but if you do—I can promise that your education will be invaluable! You’ll come out of this program with skills and knowledge that will give you a leg up on your classmates when they

Why You Should Major in African American Studies

It’s been a year of upheaval and growth in the fight for racial justice, and one thing is clear: We must listen to Black voices. An African American studies major provides an opportunity not only to hear Black voices but also to understand them in context, providing a deeper understanding of what it means to be Black in America today.

“In many ways, an African American studies major offers students the opportunity to examine Black life from a holistic perspective,” said Angela M. Siner, director of the University of Toledo’s Africana studies program and instructor of several Africana studies and cultural anthropology courses. “For example, our curriculum places emphasis on understanding the political, social, economic, religious, educational and cultural manifestations of African American life.”

Siner says that in addition to the classroom component, students will have opportunities to engage with the wider community — including local organizations — through internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

“Students will have a chance to work with people outside of their classrooms and engage directly with community members,” she said. “This allows them to apply what they are learning in their courses while gaining hands-on experience that will prepare them for future careers.”

How would you describe the field of African American studies to a first-year student?

African American studies, Black studies, and Africana studies are part of an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary academic field, which seeks to understand the historical, social, political, and cultural development of Africans and African-descended people in the Diaspora.

“[S]tudents learn about the experiences of Black people from a variety of fields in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.”

In this discipline, students learn about the experiences of Black people from a variety of fields in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Specifically, students can take courses in history, English, psychology, anthropology, sociology, political science, music, art, biology, public health, and so on.

Another major focus of this field of study is social justice. Students have opportunities for social engagement through community development programs.

What do you consider the value or importance of a major in African American studies?

The value of pursuing African American studies is gaining knowledge and an understanding of the past and present situation of African-descended people in the United States. This discipline prepares students to critically examine, explore, and analyze the unique experiences of African-descended people.

As an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary field, African American studies exposes students to all facets of the African American experience. It also offers multiple opportunities to engage in social justice and local community development programs.

What benefits and skills does an African American studies major offer students?

An African American studies major offers students a plethora of transferable skills.

Critical Thinking Skills: Ability to think independently, read critically, and write analytically.
Research Skills: How to apply theoretical approaches to research questions, locate and interpret data, and define problems.
Communication Skills: How to write effectively and construct persuasive arguments. Related skills include public speaking and social relations, as well as the ability to understand diverse populations, appreciate diversity, and apply academic theories to community development.
Knowledge of the Historical, Cultural, and Political Experiences of African Americans: The ability to appreciate the diversity of African people and African-descended people in the Diaspora, and to recognize a multiethnic, multicultural society and world.

Are there unique challenges associated with an African American studies major?

The unique challenges associated with an African American studies major has more to do with institutions than it does students.

“[T]he first Black studies program was born out of faculty and student activism [and] eventually led to the establishment of … Africana studies programs across the country.”

Established in 1968 at San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University), the first Black studies program was born out of faculty and student activism. This activism eventually led to the establishment of Black studies, African American studies, and Africana studies programs across the country. It also influenced the creation of other ethnic studies and women’s/gender studies programs.

Unfortunately, many of these programs today face issues with funding, limited staffing, and low student enrollment. Some argue that African American studies is constantly in a state of having to prove itself relevant.

Who should consider majoring in African American studies?

African American studies attracts a wide range of students because it offers both a specific and multidisciplinary perspective of the African American experience. Students interested in social justice, learning about the Black experience, and connecting academia with the community can benefit from a degree in African American studies.

This academic discipline is open to all students — not just Black or ethnic students. One need only look at African American studies scholars to realize that broad groups of individuals study the Black experience.

What types of careers does an African American studies degree prepare you for?

An African American studies degree can provide students with a wide range of career options, similar to other humanities and social sciences degrees. According to the National Council for Black Studies, “The answer to those asking what can a person do with a Black studies major is simple[:] ANYTHING!”

Potential African American Studies Careers

Medicine and health
Science and technology
Law and criminal justice
Politics and government
Business, industry, and labor
Performing arts and entertainment
Visual and decorative arts
Education
Sports
News, media, and publishing
Social and community services
Religion

Has the current political climate impacted how you teach classes in African American studies?

I paint the image of African Americans as strong, resilient people with a rich history and culture. I also emphasize the inequality and racism that has affected the Black experience in this country but has not broken their spirit.

I’ve become more deliberate in choosing course resources, such as books and visual aids, and in how I lead class discussions and compose and deliver lectures. Additionally, I give students more opportunities for experiential learning by requiring participation in the African American experience through assignments like interviewing African Americans or attending and participating in African American social and cultural events on campus and in the community. Social justice and community service projects will soon become course requirements.

Bachelors In African American Studies

This 3-year degree focuses on the languages and cultures of sub-Saharan Africa. It includes the study of Amharic, Hausa, Somali, Swahili, Yoruba or Zulu, plus a wide choice of modules in cultural fields such as literature, art, performance and religion-philosophy.

The Africa Department boasts expertise in other disciplines as well, such as religious studies, anthropology, art and archaeology, and history. This makes the department unique in its range of options for students choosing their second subject of study.

No previous knowledge of the subject or language is required. We do look for ability to learn a language (e.g. language at A-level or equivalent).