African Studies

The African Studies Program encourages teaching and scholarship on sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the wider African diaspora. Our program is a focal point for students and faculty members with expertise in African studies, encouraging course offerings related to Africa, promoting study abroad programs and internships, expanding African studies programming, and organizing campus and local community events pertaining to Africa.

A huge thank you to Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, for a landmark $25 million gift to CAS that will empower future global leaders and problem solvers! The School of Global Studies and Languages is now named the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, and we are truly excited to be a part of it!

Learn More about Schnitzer School

What You Can Do with a Degree in African Studies

Students who pursue an African studies minor or graduate certificate hone essential skills such as critical thinking, domestic and international advocacy, policy development and analysis, and much more. Our alumni have launched successful careers in:

  • Arts and culture
  • Science, health, and technology
  • Nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations
  • Nonprofit organizations and public interest groups
  • Consulting firms
  • Research institutes
  • Colleges and universities

Our Degree Programs

The African studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that exposes undergraduates to the study of the African continent through courses as well as experiences outside of class. Graduate students in a University of Oregon MA or PhD program may pursue a graduate specialization in African studies.

Assistant professor Habib Iddrisu

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty comprises experts from all over campus and the world who conduct interdisciplinary research on a broad range of topics. Faculty members from the fields of journalism, history, ethnomusicology, anthropology, geography, economics, and more who have an expertise in Africa teach classes in their own fields with an emphasis on Africa.

Student taking photos of art

Get Real-world Experience

Our students enrich their studies by traveling the world and immersing themselves in other cultures through study abroad programs and global internships. They also organize and participate in campus and community events to help promote awareness of African culture.

Scholarships and Funding

Students pursuing a minor or graduate specialization in African studies can apply for a variety of fellowships, programs, scholarships, and other opportunities to help fund their education.

Undergraduate Scholarships 
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Students in the African Studies Program can seek academic support, career counseling, and other advising services through Tykeson Hall or by consulting our program advisor. 

Undergraduate Advising 
Support for Graduate Students

Humanities News and African Studies Events

ENGLISH, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - On Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9, a cross-campus co-hosted symposium will focus on how the arts and humanities can address the threats that ocean species face. Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities is co-hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Environmental Futures (CEF), Oregon Humanities Center, and the Department of English.
GENERAL SOCIAL SCIENCES, POLITICAL SCIENCE – Alum Irisa Mehta '23 wanted to be a voice for others, to be a representative for those who face the educational barrier of understanding our criminal justice system. She took on two majors and two minors to make sure she was prepared for anything. She learned a lot academically and about how to have fun.
INDIGENOUS, RACE, AND ETHNIC STUDIES; NATIVE AMERICAN AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES - Kirby Brown, along with co-editors Stephen Ross and Alana Sayers, win the Modernist Studies Association award for Best Edited Collection for the "Routledge Handbook of North American Indigenous Modernisms."
After announcing a landmark $25 million commitment, Portland developer, philanthropist and alumnus Jordan Schnitzer shares his thoughts on living in an ever-globalizing world—and his hopes for the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.

All news »


Linguistics Society of America Summer Institute
Jul7
Linguistics Society of America Summer Institute Jul 7 Straub Hall
Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair
Sep23
Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair Sep 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Grad Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event
Oct23
Grad Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event Oct 23
What is Research? (2026)
Apr23
What is Research? (2026) Apr 23 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2026)
Apr24
What is Research? (2026) Apr 24 University of Oregon Portland
What is Research? (2026)
Apr25
What is Research? (2026) Apr 25 University of Oregon Portland

All events »