Undergraduate Programs

Why Choose African Studies?  

African studies is not only a way to understand Africa, it is a way to expand your understanding of the world and its histories. Our program focuses on the study and analysis of sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the wider African diaspora. An African studies minor enriches your understanding of the social, economic, cultural, historical, linguistic, geopolitical, ecological, and biomedical factors that shape African societies.

hist-melissa-graboyes-class

Minor in African Studies

Interested in exploring Africa’s diversity and and analyzing the issues of contemporary life on the continent? In interdisciplinary courses taught by professors from a wide range of departments, you can study the geopolitical factors that shape African societies while learning Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese, or French—or travel back in time to discover ancient Egypt and West African kingdoms.

Minor Requirements 


Learn an African Language

Develop your skills in an African language spoken by millions of people around the globe. Students in the African Studies program can take three years of Arabic or Swahili language courses and earn credits toward their minor.

African Languages


Students at a clinic in Accra

Get Real-World Experience

Deepen your understanding of African societies by studying in another part of the world, develop vital job skills in a global internship, or share your passion for African studies by raising community awareness of African culture.

Experiential Learning

An archway in Ghana

What You Can Do with an African Studies Degree

An African studies minor can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.

Explore Careers


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with an advisor and get your questions answered.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding to support your studies.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Events

"Radium Girls"
Apr18
"Radium Girls" Apr 18 Miller Theatre Complex
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook
Apr20
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook Apr 20 Knight Library
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Landscape Architects and Indigenous-led Projects
Apr20
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Landscape Architects and Indigenous-led Projects Apr 20 Many Nations Longhouse
Health Grad & Career Expo 2026
Apr22
Health Grad & Career Expo 2026 Apr 22 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr22
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 22 McKenzie Hall
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook
Apr22
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook Apr 22 Knight Library
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops
Apr22
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops Apr 22
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops 6-10
Apr22
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops 6-10 Apr 22
Cinema Studies Presents: "Filmmaking Masterclass with Alexi Pappas and Laura Wagner"
Apr22
Cinema Studies Presents: "Filmmaking Masterclass with Alexi Pappas and Laura Wagner" Apr 22 Lawrence Hall
Virtual Internships Info Session
Apr22
Virtual Internships Info Session Apr 22 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall