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.

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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

"Much Ado About Nothing"
Feb21
"Much Ado About Nothing" Feb 21 Robinson Theatre
"Much Ado About Nothing"
Feb22
"Much Ado About Nothing" Feb 22 Robinson Theatre
Documentary Screening and Discussion - "The General: Vietnam in The Age of To Lam"
Feb23
Documentary Screening and Discussion - "The General: Vietnam in The Age of To Lam" Feb 23 Knight Library
Anthropology Colloquium Series: “Of ‘Storied’ Pots and Their Unknown Potters: The Organization of Craft Production in Ancient Igbo Ukwu (9th-15th Century CE), Southeastern Nigeria"
Feb23
Anthropology Colloquium Series: “Of ‘Storied’ Pots and Their Unknown Potters: The Organization of Craft Production in Ancient Igbo Ukwu (9th-15th Century CE), Southeastern Nigeria" Feb 23 Condon Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb24
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 24 McKenzie Hall
Creative Writing Presents: Kidd Creative Writing Workshop Info Session
Feb24
Creative Writing Presents: Kidd Creative Writing Workshop Info Session Feb 24 Alder Building
How Venezuela Got Here: From Model Democracy to Authoritarian Kleptocracy
Feb24
How Venezuela Got Here: From Model Democracy to Authoritarian Kleptocracy Feb 24 McKenzie Hall
WGSS Presents: "Bad Dance: Making Queer and Lesbian Community"
Feb25
WGSS Presents: "Bad Dance: Making Queer and Lesbian Community" Feb 25 Knight Library
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Feb25
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Feb 25
Anti-nuclear Series: Film Screening and Q&A with Director Jeff Gipe
Feb25
Anti-nuclear Series: Film Screening and Q&A with Director Jeff Gipe Feb 25 Lawrence Hall