Africana Studies BA

Engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of a worldwide diaspora in Africana Studies.

ӣƵ Africana Studies Black Film Series

With our Africana Studies bachelor's degree you'll shift paradigms and create new ways of seeing and knowing.

ӣƵ's Africana Studies Program examines the historical, social, political, cultural, literary, artistic and intellectual development of the African diaspora, preparing students for a range of professional, academic, advocacy and community-development careers.

Africana Studies Career Opportunities

  • History Teacher
  • College Professor
  • Cultural Resources Manager
  • Historian
  • Journalist
  • DEI Consultant

Why Earn an Africana Studies Bachelor's Degree at ӣƵ?

  • Africana Studies majors benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines social/behavioral sciences, humanities, the arts, history, literature and more.
  • Our program is committed to furthering the Black intellectual tradition that centers the study of Black life on the perspectives of Black people.
  • An Africana Studies degree provides an ideal foundation for students who aspire to careers in academia, education, law, public policy and social work.
  • Topics covered include: race and justice, African American history, community psychology, sociology, African American literature and art history.
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We're thrilled that you're interested in ӣƵ and we want to make sure that nothing stands in your way of pursuing a ӣƵ degree. Just let us know how we can help you with your next steps.

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More Program Specifics

Understand the courses you'll take, the curriculum requirements to meet, and the concepts you'll gain mastery of. This program also offers a minor program option. Get the detailed information you're looking for.

Our Africana Studies Faculty

Hear from a Student

Charina Herrera

Charina Herrera

“Without the Africana Studies program, I would not be where I am today. It created a paradigm shift in me – it became clear that none of us will be free until all of us are free. The program gave me the foundation and inspiration to continue to love, study and struggle.”

Becoming an Agent for Change

Program Details

Course Information

Program/Learning Goals

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • recall historical chronology that gave rise to the field of Africana studies
  • identify the important contributors to the field, and explain the relevance of the field for both the academy and society
  • recite major events, dates and persons in the chronology of the global Black experience
  • demonstrate familiarity with the history and impact of resistance against racism, colonialism, enslavement, poverty and injustice
  • discuss sociological and psychological theories with reference to global Black experiences
  • cite the principle contributions of major literary, musical and artistic figures in the Black experience
  • show how the experiences of Black people have been an integral part of American and world history
  • demonstrate college-level skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, researching and reasoning

In short, Africana studies students should be able to negotiate the transdisciplinary relationship among the anthropological, historical, psychological, religious, sociological, aesthetic/literary, linguistic, economic, political, medical, scientific and technological areas of black life.​

Minor in Africana Studies

Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at ӣƵ complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.

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Africana Studies Program

The Africana Studies Program at ӣƵ is one of the oldest Black studies programs in New England. We offer a transdisciplinary curriculum in the arts, humanities and social/behavioral sciences.

Sadhana Bery

Dr. Sadhana Bery

Assistant Professor