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

Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom)
Oct30
Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom) Oct 30 Peterson Hall
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom)
Oct30
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom) Oct 30 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Women in Economics Club
Oct31
Women in Economics Club Oct 31 Allen Hall
Introduction to Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Nov1
Introduction to Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Nov 1
Organic-Inorganic-Materials Chemistry Seminar: Synthetic Strategies toward Fluorosulfurylation of Organic Molecules and Lewis-Acid Catalyzed Sulfur-Fluoride Exchange
Nov1
Organic-Inorganic-Materials Chemistry Seminar: Synthetic Strategies toward Fluorosulfurylation of Organic Molecules and Lewis-Acid Catalyzed Sulfur-Fluoride Exchange Nov 1 Willamette Hall
HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholars Program Info Session
Nov4
HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholars Program Info Session Nov 4
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science 3MT Slide
Nov4
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science 3MT Slide Nov 4
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Photo-scissile Ruthenium Compounds for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery
Nov4
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Photo-scissile Ruthenium Compounds for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Nov 4 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
More than 2024:  Historians Pick the Craziest and Most Consequential US Elections
Nov4
More than 2024:  Historians Pick the Craziest and Most Consequential US Elections Nov 4 McKenzie Hall 375
Department of History Coffee Hour
Nov5
Department of History Coffee Hour Nov 5 McKenzie Hall