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

Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week
Apr9
Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week Apr 9
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops
Apr9
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops Apr 9
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops 6-10
Apr9
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops 6-10 Apr 9
What’s Happening in Cuba? 1959 Revolution to Current US Pressures
Apr9
What’s Happening in Cuba? 1959 Revolution to Current US Pressures Apr 9 Eugene Library
Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week
Apr10
Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week Apr 10
Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events)
Apr10
Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events) Apr 10
Career Tour-Healthcare
Apr10
Career Tour-Healthcare Apr 10 Matthew Knight Arena
Faculty Workshop: "Not Just for Scientists: Integrating Undergrads into Faculty Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences"
Apr10
Faculty Workshop: "Not Just for Scientists: Integrating Undergrads into Faculty Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences" Apr 10
Tour UO Core Research Facilities
Apr10
Tour UO Core Research Facilities Apr 10 Lewis Integrative Science Building
Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events)
Apr13
Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events) Apr 13