Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
September 26, 2026 2026-09-26 9:25Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
An interdisciplinary program that examines the history, culture, politics, intellectual traditions, and lived experiences of African Americans and people of African descent throughout the global African diaspora. Integrating perspectives from history, sociology, political science, literature, philosophy, economics, religion, anthropology, and cultural studies, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped African American communities and their enduring influence on the United States and the wider world.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in African American Studies
US$ 7,360
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3–4 Years
9–12 Months
3 Credit Hours
US$ 7,360
Examine the History, Culture, and Intellectual Traditions of the Global African Diaspora
An interdisciplinary program integrating perspectives from history, sociology, political science, literature, philosophy, economics, religion, anthropology, and cultural studies.
The Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the history, culture, politics, intellectual traditions, and lived experiences of African Americans and people of African descent throughout the global African diaspora. Integrating perspectives from history, sociology, political science, literature, philosophy, economics, religion, anthropology, and cultural studies, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped African American communities and their enduring influence on the United States and the wider world.
Students explore the development of African American identity, civil rights movements, public policy, social justice, leadership, cultural expression, and global connections while developing strong analytical, research, communication, and critical thinking skills. Through interdisciplinary scholarship and civic engagement, graduates are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to diverse professional environments and multicultural communities.
The program provides an excellent foundation for careers in government, education, nonprofit organizations, public policy, communications, social services, cultural institutions, and community leadership, as well as graduate study in African American Studies, History, Sociology, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, Education, Social Work, Journalism, and related disciplines.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in African American Studies
3–4 Years — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3 Credit Hours per Course
US$ 7,360
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees
Required Major Courses
The major consists of interdisciplinary coursework in African American history, politics, literature, culture, sociology, public policy, global studies, and research. Students also complete the University's General Education requirements together with approved elective coursework.
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BAAS 3000 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| HIS 3010 | African American History I | 3 |
| HIS 3020 | African American History II | 3 |
| BAAS 3030 | African American Literature | 3 |
| BAAS 3040 | African American Culture and Society | 3 |
| POL 3050 | Race, Politics, and Public Policy | 3 |
| SOC 3060 | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| BAAS 3070 | Civil Rights and Social Justice | 3 |
| BAAS 3080 | African American Intellectual Traditions | 3 |
| BAAS 3090 | The African Diaspora | 3 |
| BAAS 3100 | Media, Representation, and Popular Culture | 3 |
| RES 3110 | Research Methods in African American Studies | 4 |
| BAAS 3120 | Contemporary Issues in African American Communities | 3 |
| BAAS 4000 | Senior Seminar in African American Studies | 3 |
| BAAS 4100 | Leadership and Community Development | 3 |
| BAAS 4200 | Capstone Research Project | 6 |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Course Descriptions
Select a course to view its description.
BAAS 3000 – Introduction to African American Studies
Introduces the interdisciplinary study of African American history, culture, politics, institutions, and society while examining major historical developments, intellectual traditions, and contemporary issues.
HIS 3010 – African American History I
Examines the history of African Americans from West African civilizations and the transatlantic slave trade through Reconstruction, emphasizing resistance, emancipation, community formation, and constitutional change.
HIS 3020 – African American History II
Explores African American history from Reconstruction to the present, including the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, Black political thought, and contemporary social developments.
BAAS 3030 – African American Literature
Introduces significant literary works by African American authors while examining themes of identity, freedom, justice, culture, and intellectual expression.
BAAS 3040 – African American Culture and Society
Examines the cultural, artistic, educational, religious, and social contributions of African Americans and their impact on American society.
POL 3050 – Race, Politics, and Public Policy
Explores the relationship between race, political participation, public policy, voting rights, civil rights legislation, and governmental institutions in the United States.
SOC 3060 – Race and Ethnic Relations
Examines sociological theories of race, ethnicity, identity, inequality, discrimination, migration, diversity, and social change within multicultural societies.
BAAS 3070 – Civil Rights and Social Justice
Studies the historical development of civil rights movements, legal reforms, community activism, leadership, and contemporary approaches to promoting equality and social justice.
BAAS 3080 – African American Intellectual Traditions
Examines the philosophical, political, religious, educational, and cultural ideas that have shaped African American thought from the nineteenth century to the present.
BAAS 3090 – The African Diaspora
Explores the global experiences of people of African descent, emphasizing migration, identity, culture, politics, and transnational connections throughout Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
BAAS 3100 – Media, Representation, and Popular Culture
Examines portrayals of African Americans in literature, film, music, journalism, television, and digital media while analyzing issues of representation, identity, and public discourse.
RES 3110 – Research Methods in African American Studies
Introduces interdisciplinary research design, historical inquiry, qualitative analysis, archival research, academic writing, and ethical research practices.
BAAS 3120 – Contemporary Issues in African American Communities
Examines contemporary issues affecting African American communities, including education, healthcare, criminal justice, economic opportunity, housing, public policy, and civic engagement.
BAAS 4000 – Senior Seminar in African American Studies
Provides advanced interdisciplinary study of major themes and debates in African American Studies through scholarly readings, seminar discussions, independent research, and professional presentations.
BAAS 4100 – Leadership and Community Development
Examines leadership theory, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, advocacy, and collaborative strategies for strengthening diverse communities and promoting civic participation.
BAAS 4200 – Capstone Research Project
Serves as the culminating academic experience requiring students to complete an original interdisciplinary research project demonstrating scholarly inquiry, analytical reasoning, effective communication, and integration of knowledge acquired throughout the program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in government, education, nonprofit organizations, public policy, communications, social services, cultural institutions, and community leadership.
Employment Sectors
Graduates are employed across government, education, cultural organizations, nonprofit and civil rights organizations, research institutes, media, healthcare, corporate diversity offices, and philanthropic foundations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies, graduates will be able to:
Ready to Study African American Studies?
Examine the history, culture, and intellectual traditions of African Americans and the global African diaspora. Take the next step toward a career in government, education, public policy, cultural institutions, or graduate study.
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