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

NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Feb11
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Feb 11
Explore Careers in Tech (Fair)
Feb11
Explore Careers in Tech (Fair) Feb 11 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Stephanie Reents
Feb11
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Stephanie Reents Feb 11 Knight Library
Filmlandia Screening Series: Short Film Program
Feb11
Filmlandia Screening Series: Short Film Program Feb 11 Villard Hall
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting
Feb11
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting Feb 11 Lillis Business Complex
London Academic Year Programs Information Session
Feb12
London Academic Year Programs Information Session Feb 12 McKenzie Hall
Virtual Internships Info Session
Feb12
Virtual Internships Info Session Feb 12 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
UNHOUSED: The Politics and Criminalization of Homelessness from Big Cities to Small Towns, featuring Chris Herring (UCLA) and Claire Herbert (UO).
Feb12
UNHOUSED: The Politics and Criminalization of Homelessness from Big Cities to Small Towns, featuring Chris Herring (UCLA) and Claire Herbert (UO). Feb 12 William W. Knight Law Center
CAS CareerLab Headshots
Feb13
CAS CareerLab Headshots Feb 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
SHL Night at the Opera
Feb13
SHL Night at the Opera Feb 13 McArthur Court