African and African American Studies

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA and a BGS in African American Studies, as well as a graduate certificate and a MA. Within the major, there are four concentration options; African, African-American, combined African and African American, and Haitian. The department will introduce you to African and African-American history, culture and life in general. Although Africa and Afro-America are the major areas of study, due attention is paid to the Caribbean and Latin America. The interdisciplinary major, with its opportunity for fieldwork in Africa or in the African Diaspora, also encourages students to engage in independent study to maximize their academic and research potential. In addition to academic interests, our program will prove useful for professionals whose careers take them to these geographic and cultural areas. 

African & African American Studies

Sample of Related Skills 

• Think critically about the interpretation of the African and African American experience throughout history  
• Analyze and discuss African, African-American, Caribbean and Latin American issues as they relate to African-descended peoples  
• Appreciate the interconnectedness and the interdependence of the human family  
• Appreciate a diversified, multicultural, multiethnic society  
• Understand African and African-American histories, cultures, and societies in general 

Popular Career Paths 

Law: The law profession gives you the flexibility to work in several different areas including corporate law, civil law, and public interest law. This career field usually requires more education and certification.

Politics: This is a very broad career path that offers many different avenues to the profession including public policy, elected or appointed leadership position, lobbying groups, and government affairs. Communication skills are very important in this career path.

Education: This is also a broad career path with many possibilities including being a professor, teacher, researcher, and Student Affairs professional where utilizing your strengths to be able to send your message across clearly is very important.

Social Services: This is considered a helping profession where you help individuals or a group of people overcome challenges in all aspects of their lives whether that be personally or professionally.

Writing: This offers you the ability to use your communication skills to provide entertainment or knowledge which can include a newspaper, blog, book, magazine, or website.

Business: The skills acquired within this major offer many different options within the business world. You can help a company in several different ways including human resources, marketing, sales, consulting, and management. 

Jobs to Consider 

• Advertising Agent
• Appointed/Elected Government Official
• Civil Service Worker
• Copy Editor
• District Attorney
• Freelance Writer
• Genealogist
• Historian
• Human Resources Manager
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Legislative Aide
• Marketing Executive
• Museum Curator
• Professor
• Psychologist
• Researcher
• Social Worker
• Sociologist
• Student Affairs Professional
• TV/Radio Broadcaster 

Places to Seek Employment 

• Census Bureau
• Community Colleges
• Corporate Businesses
• District Attorneys
• Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies
• Labor Unions
• Law Firms
• Lobbying Groups
• Magazines
• Marketing Companies
• Mental Health Institutions
• Military
• Museums
• Newspapers
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Peace Corps& AmeriCorps
• Political Interest Groups
• Polling Organizations
• View specific employers by state. 
  
   

Explore More Career Resources

African Studies Association - An association that provides information on publications, annual meetings, and awards and prizes for various scholarly contributions. 

The Black Collegian - A career-related website dedicated for students of color. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Several internships are available in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission office which have links where you can apply directly from the site 

Internships USA - Lists of internships by industry including Washington Internships in Law and Policy, The Human Rights Internship Book, Congressional Internship Book, Internships in International Affairs, The Media Internship Book, and The Museum Internship Book.

Partnership for Public Service - This office has a Public Service Fellows program for current students and recent graduates to help with their mission 

Smithsonian Institute - The Smithsonian Institute offers many internships and fellowships that offers students the opportunity to explore their interests within the career field.