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

Department of History Coffee Hour
May27
Department of History Coffee Hour May 27 McKenzie Hall
Peace Corps Send-Off Party
May27
Peace Corps Send-Off Party May 27 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: ZZ Packer
May27
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: ZZ Packer May 27 Knight Library
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Sometimes a Great Notion"
May27
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Sometimes a Great Notion" May 27 Art House Theater
To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement
May28
To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement May 28 Gerlinger Hall
"Los Dreamers"
May29
"Los Dreamers" May 29 Robinson Theatre
"Los Dreamers"
May30
"Los Dreamers" May 30 Robinson Theatre
"Los Dreamers"
May31
"Los Dreamers" May 31 Robinson Theatre
Department of History Spring Showcase 2026
Jun1
Department of History Spring Showcase 2026 Jun 1 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies Presents: Composing Music for Silent Film Masterclass with Brian McWhorter
Jun2
Cinema Studies Presents: Composing Music for Silent Film Masterclass with Brian McWhorter Jun 2 Lawrence Hall