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

Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "From Grapes to Mushrooms: The Farm Workers’ Rights Movement in Oregon, 1965-2025"
Dec8
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "From Grapes to Mushrooms: The Farm Workers’ Rights Movement in Oregon, 1965-2025" Dec 8 Whirled Pies
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series – Rotation Talks
Dec10
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series – Rotation Talks Dec 10 Klamath Hall
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Developing and Administering a Community Survey
Dec10
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Developing and Administering a Community Survey Dec 10
Exploring the Dolomites Information Session
Dec17
Exploring the Dolomites Information Session Dec 17
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Assessing Community Readiness
Dec17
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Assessing Community Readiness Dec 17
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
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Jan21
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Career Tour - Life Sciences and Beyond!
Jan23
Career Tour - Life Sciences and Beyond! Jan 23 Ford Alumni Center
Migrant Glyphs
Jan23
Migrant Glyphs Jan 23 Willamette Hall
GitHub Portfolios for Job Seekers (Career Readiness Workshop)
Jan25
GitHub Portfolios for Job Seekers (Career Readiness Workshop) Jan 25 Knight Library