Africana Studies BA

  • Major
  • BA
Format
  • In-Person
Location
  • Greeley
Estimated Completion Time

4 Years

Tuition Rate

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Tuition & Fees

Department(s)

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Africana Studies

Credits

120

Area of Study

Program Overview

UNC’s Africana Studies program offers more than just a degree鈥攊t provides a transformative educational experience that will deepen your understanding of the world and your place in it.

Explore Cultures Across Continents听

You鈥檒l dive deep into the civilizations and cultures that span from Africa to the Caribbean, across North and South America, throughout Europe and the Middle East鈥攁nywhere people of African descent have built communities and shaped history.

Our Africana Studies bachelor鈥檚 program breaks down traditional academic boundaries, weaving together insights from anthropology, art, economics, history, religion, literature, psychology, music, criminal justice, biological sciences, geography, women’s studies, communications, modern languages and political science.

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The BA in Africa Studies requires 120 course credits, which include:

31 credits – Liberal Arts Curriculum 

39 credits – Required Major Courses  

You will take the following required courses for a strong foundation in Africana Studies.  

  • Introduction to Africana Studies 
  • African American History I 
  • African American History II  
  • Survey of African American Literature 
  • Dynamics of Racism 
  • Community Study Project (Must take 3 credits) 
  • Seminar in Africana Studies

50 credits – University Courses 

You’ll need to complete 50 additional credits for the Africana BA degree. Taking the recommended courses in both the liberal arts curriculum and the major requirements will give you more university-wide electives for this degree. Africana Studies majors are strongly encouraged to apply these extra required courses to earn a minor or a second major.

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This four-year plan suggests a schedule to finish your bachelor’s degree and graduate on time. Courses are subject to availability. 

Year 1 – Fall Semester, 15 credits  

  • Introduction to Africana Studies 
  • African American History I 
  • Survey of African American Literature 
  • Liberal Arts Curriculum – your choice 
  • University-Wide Elective – your choice

Year 1 – Spring Semester, 15 credits  

  • Survey of Africa or African Civilization 
  • African American History II 
  • Major Elective – your choice 
  • Liberal Arts Curriculum – your choice 
  • University-Wide Elective – your choice 

Refer to the for all degree requirements.  Consult your major advisor for details on extra graduation requirements and for course advice. 

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Enhance Any Major 

Looking to complement your primary field of study? Our 18-credit minor creates a solid foundation in Africana Studies that enriches almost any major.

Core courses include: 

  • Foundations of Africana Studies 
  • Development of Black Identity 
  • Survey of Africa 
  • African Civilization 
  • Dynamics of Racism 
  • Africa American History I and II 

Explore more course offerings for the Africana Studies minor in the .

Connected Learning Opportunities

Africana Studies naturally connects with other programs across campus. Students often find it is a great fit with our Spanish B.A. program, exploring the Latino-African connections throughout the Americas, or with our International Affairs major, examining global perspectives on African diaspora communities.

Course Highlights听

Explore compelling topics through courses such as:

  • African Americans and U.S. Education,听
  • The Black Woman in America听
  • Revolutionary South Africa听
  • The Black Church and Religious Traditions听
  • Dynamics of Racism,听
  • African Art听

Each course combines rigorous academic study with real-world applications.

Why Choose UNC for Africana Studies?

Learn in an Environment Designed for Your Success.

Our faculty aren’t just accomplished researchers鈥攖hey’re award-winning educators who genuinely care about your academic journey.

You’ll study in small, intimate classes where professors know your name and are invested in your success. This personalized attention creates the perfect environment for deep learning and meaningful mentorship.

Perfect if You Want To:

  • Develop a nuanced understanding of Africana history and cultural contributions听
  • Prepare for teaching social studies in today’s diverse classrooms听
  • Engage with complex ideas in small, discussion-based classes听
  • Build close relationships with faculty mentors

Featured Alumni

Jamar Rahming, '06, UNC alumnus, standing

Alumni

A degree in Africana Studies has proven to be viable and has paved the way for several professional opportunities: middle school teacher, legal librarian and digital records supervisor. These experiences allowed me to utilize the leadership and human relation skills that I gained as an African Studies major.

Jamar Rahming, 鈥�06

Africana Studies

Teacher, Executive Director of the Wilmington Public Library, CEO of Cuyahoga County Public Library (Cleveland)

Jamar Rahming, '06, UNC alumnus, standing

Beyond the Classroom

Gain a strong foundation in the liberal arts that prepares you for a wide range of interesting careers or graduate studies.

Where can your degree take you?

After graduating with a degree in Africana Studies, you can go on to work in many different careers, such as:

  • Education – K-12 or higher education听
  • The Arts听
  • Nonprofit organizations听
  • Legal Profession听
  • Libraries听
  • International Relations听听
  • Public Policy听听
  • Nursing or Health Sciences听
  • Historians听
  • Social Services听

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

At UNC, Africana Studies isn’t confined to the classroom. Our students have walked the historic streets of Istanbul while studying at Turkey’s premier university. They’ve uncovered fascinating stories from the Black community of Dearfield, right here near Greeley, conducting original research that contributes to our understanding of local history.听听

McNair Scholars in our program regularly present their groundbreaking research at both undergraduate and professional conferences, sharing their discoveries with the academic world.听

Where will your passion for learning take you? The possibilities are endless.听

Our Africana Studies major examines the theoretical, historical, literary, and artistic developments across the African continent and throughout the African diaspora, from ancient civilizations to contemporary movements.

You’ll develop the critical thinking skills that form the backbone of a strong liberal arts education while gaining practical tools for navigating and understanding our increasingly diverse world.听

This degree doesn’t just teach you to think鈥攊t teaches you to think deeply about the complex forces that shape our global society.

Learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are committed to your success. Our faculty are outstanding teachers as well as scholars, with academic awards and scholarly publications.

You will have exceptional experiences in and out of the classroom with your professors. They are active on campus and serve as advisors to student organizations on campus and as faculty-in-residence with UNC鈥檚 Office of Housing and Residential Education.

Faculty show their commitment to their students through their activities from participating in documentaries, community events and board members of national organizations.

In our Africana Studies program, you’ll gain a deep understanding of a variety of topics.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of Africana history, culture, philosophy and political movements听
  • Understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities in Africana communities听
  • Cultural competency for working and teaching in multicultural environments听
  • Critical analysis skills applicable across professions and life situations

Why UNC for Africana Studies?

One of Just a Few

UNC is one of the few universities to offer an Africana Studies major鈥痑nd鈥痬inor鈥痠n the U.S.

African Art Collection

You鈥檒l find a amazing collection of African artwork ranging from masks and sculptures to mixed media and paintings on campus.

Get Involved

Find ways to connect to student clubs at UNC and meet students with interests similar to yours.

Marcus Garvey Cultural Center

Since 1983, the Garvey Center has been a cherished and inclusive space for Black, African and African American diasporic students, staff/faculty, and marginalized groups.听

Marcus Garvey Cultural Center on UNC campus

Have Questions? We're Here to Help!

Africana Studies

Africana Studies looks at the history, culture, art and ideas from Africa and people of African descent around the world, both in the past and today.听Students use different subjects and critical thinking to study share both well-known and new ideas. They aim do well in school and make a positive difference in society.