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

Language Learning and Journalism with Frauke Böger and Camila Mortensen
Apr14
Language Learning and Journalism with Frauke Böger and Camila Mortensen Apr 14
Physical Chemistry Seminar - From Stability to Dissociation: Elucidating Dissociation Kinetics of Protein-Protein Complexes via Atomistic Simulations
Apr14
Physical Chemistry Seminar - From Stability to Dissociation: Elucidating Dissociation Kinetics of Protein-Protein Complexes via Atomistic Simulations Apr 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Collaborative Communities: Northwest Indigenous Language Preservation and Revitalization
Apr14
Collaborative Communities: Northwest Indigenous Language Preservation and Revitalization Apr 14 Many Nations Longhouse
Ritualization and Myth Making
Apr14
Ritualization and Myth Making Apr 14 Knight Library
History Pub Lecture Series: ‘Back to Your Roots’: Nutritional Advice to the Cook Islands, 1850-1975
Apr14
History Pub Lecture Series: ‘Back to Your Roots’: Nutritional Advice to the Cook Islands, 1850-1975 Apr 14 Whirled Pies Downtown
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr15
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 15 McKenzie Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together
Apr15
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together Apr 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
New Faculty Roundtable - Latinx Studies
Apr15
New Faculty Roundtable - Latinx Studies Apr 15 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Curious about Resumes? (Workshop)
Apr15
Curious about Resumes? (Workshop) Apr 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Your Future in Tech + Connect (Industry Panel + Networking Night)
Apr15
Your Future in Tech + Connect (Industry Panel + Networking Night) Apr 15 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)