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

NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Feb18
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Feb 18
Food Studies in Costa Rica Information Session
Feb18
Food Studies in Costa Rica Information Session Feb 18
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting
Feb18
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting Feb 18 Lillis Business Complex
IRES Presents: “Displaced Practices of Discursive Change Circulations of Social Justice Ephemeralities within a Leather Bar Context”
Feb20
IRES Presents: “Displaced Practices of Discursive Change Circulations of Social Justice Ephemeralities within a Leather Bar Context” Feb 20 Ford Alumni Center
Anthropology Day Party
Feb20
Anthropology Day Party Feb 20 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
NILI Presents: Film Screening and Q&A
Feb20
NILI Presents: Film Screening and Q&A Feb 20 Art House Theater
"Much Ado About Nothing"
Feb20
"Much Ado About Nothing" Feb 20 Robinson Theatre
"Much Ado About Nothing"
Feb21
"Much Ado About Nothing" Feb 21 Robinson Theatre
"Much Ado About Nothing"
Feb22
"Much Ado About Nothing" Feb 22 Robinson Theatre
Documentary Screening and Discussion - "The General: Vietnam in The Age of To Lam"
Feb23
Documentary Screening and Discussion - "The General: Vietnam in The Age of To Lam" Feb 23 Knight Library