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

Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan6
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 6 McKenzie Hall
Irish Ecomedia: Empire and Environmental Justice in the Modernization of Postcolonial Ireland
Jan8
Irish Ecomedia: Empire and Environmental Justice in the Modernization of Postcolonial Ireland Jan 8 Knight Library
Considerations for Composing Poetry in Indigenous Languages—Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium
Jan12
Considerations for Composing Poetry in Indigenous Languages—Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium Jan 12 Many Nations Longhouse
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "Blacks against Brown: The Intra-racial Struggle over Segregated Schools in Topeka, Kansas"
Jan12
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "Blacks against Brown: The Intra-racial Struggle over Segregated Schools in Topeka, Kansas" Jan 12 Whirled Pies
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan13
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 13 McKenzie Hall
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair
Jan14
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair Jan 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Portland Internship Experience (PIE) 2026 Virtual Info-Session
Jan14
Portland Internship Experience (PIE) 2026 Virtual Info-Session Jan 14
Filmlandia Screening Series: "The Shining"
Jan14
Filmlandia Screening Series: "The Shining" Jan 14 Lawrence Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan20
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 20 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "What is the History of Information? A Case Study of the United States in 1920"
Jan20
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "What is the History of Information? A Case Study of the United States in 1920" Jan 20 McKenzie Hall