African American Studies Major
Gain in-depth understanding of Africa and the African Diaspora — U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America — and insight into contemporary global issues facing Africana people when you choose one of the concentrations in this major.
Career Potential
- Government service
- Political engagement at the national, state and local levels
- Teaching and Research
- Journalism
- Community Development
- International Affairs and Development
- Family and Discrimination Law
What Will I Learn?
You’ll engage in a rigorous intellectual, socio-political, historical and cultural curriculum that emphasizes:
- Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills to effectively tackle contemporary societal problems to serve the Africana world in particular and humanity in general
- Multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary courses that expose you to a wide array of contrasting thought
- Debate on important contrasting controversies in the discipline
Concentration Options
African American Sociological, Political and Community Development
Get the knowledge and background you’ll need to be a community builder and activist or for graduate work.
African and African American History
Prepare for a variety of career options such as government service, nonprofit organization, journalism, international affairs and others.
Special Features
- Credit-bearing internships
- Study abroad in Africa
- Nationally and internationally recognized faculty
- Kente Cloth Ceremony at graduation
Get Involved
Independent research with a faculty mentor is a central part of your academic experience. You will have opportunities to present your research at national conferences or to co-author a scholarly paper with your professor. You also can gain first-hand knowledge of Africa through study abroad programs in Ghana and Kenya.
Student Clubs
Next Steps
Contact Us
Office: Old Main, Room 208-B
Phone: 607-753-4105
Fax: 607-753-5760
Fast Facts
This is the oldest of the College’s ethnic studies programs, dating back to 1975 when it was founded as the Department of Black Studies.
Type of Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Credit Hours: 124
Excellence
- James McKee Memorial Award for the highest grade point average in the major
- Seth N. Asumah "Uhuru" Award: For Outstanding Achievement in Africana Studies "The African Continent"
- Seth N. Asumah "Uhuru" Award: For Outstanding Achievement in Africana Studies "The African Diaspora"
See all scholarship opportunities