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

NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Mar11
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Mar 11
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Coraline"
Mar11
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Coraline" Mar 11 Lawrence Hall
History Undergraduate Lecture: "Finding Accidental Archives of Atrocity"
Mar11
History Undergraduate Lecture: "Finding Accidental Archives of Atrocity" Mar 11 McKenzie Hall
Institutional Design and Latiné Belonging: Equity Across Schools and Workplaces
Mar12
Institutional Design and Latiné Belonging: Equity Across Schools and Workplaces Mar 12 Knight Library
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Mar18
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Mar 18
Geography Colloquium: "Documenting and Projecting the Human Costs of Climate Change"
Apr2
Geography Colloquium: "Documenting and Projecting the Human Costs of Climate Change" Apr 2 Knight Library
Comparative Literature Work In Progress Series
Apr7
Comparative Literature Work In Progress Series Apr 7 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
CAS Social Impact Forum: Increasing the Social Impact of Research
Apr8
CAS Social Impact Forum: Increasing the Social Impact of Research Apr 8 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Apr8
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Apr 8 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Ada Limón: 2025–26 Cressman Lectureship “The Unleaving: How Poetry Helps You to Not Miss Your Life”
Apr8
Ada Limón: 2025–26 Cressman Lectureship “The Unleaving: How Poetry Helps You to Not Miss Your Life” Apr 8 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)