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

University Theatre presents: “The Moors”
Nov15
University Theatre presents: “The Moors” Nov 15 Miller Theatre Complex
University Theatre presents: “The Moors”
Nov16
University Theatre presents: “The Moors” Nov 16 Miller Theatre Complex
Writing Lab Writing and Research Support Drop-In Event
Nov17
Writing Lab Writing and Research Support Drop-In Event Nov 17 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Physical Chemistry Seminar: “Trapped Ion Mobility-Assisted Sequencing and Analysis of Protein Ions”
Nov17
Physical Chemistry Seminar: “Trapped Ion Mobility-Assisted Sequencing and Analysis of Protein Ions” Nov 17 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Nov18
Department of History Coffee Hour Nov 18 McKenzie Hall
Environmental Justice and Indigeneity in Sāmoa Info Session
Nov18
Environmental Justice and Indigeneity in Sāmoa Info Session Nov 18 Straub Hall
Living a Language: Finding Balance and Productivity in Language Reclamation Work
Nov18
Living a Language: Finding Balance and Productivity in Language Reclamation Work Nov 18 Kalapuya Ilihi
Film Screening of "Vietnamerica," a National Simulcast
Nov18
Film Screening of "Vietnamerica," a National Simulcast Nov 18 Justice Bean Hall
Current Free Speech Controversies: a Discussion with Former ACLU President, Nadine Strossen
Nov18
Current Free Speech Controversies: a Discussion with Former ACLU President, Nadine Strossen Nov 18 Gerlinger Hall
GIS Day Open House
Nov19
GIS Day Open House Nov 19 Knight Library