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African American Studies Degrees

African American Studies Degrees

The University of Kansas defines African American Studies, also referred to as Africana Studies, as "an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to studying and understanding the experiences of African people and African-descended people across the Diaspora."

Earning a degree in African American Studies means participating in an important part of American culture. The University of Kansas reminds us that establishing degrees in African American studies was “the first in a series of academic fields that would challenge social hierarchies" and diversify academia.

When pursuing a degree in African Studies, students will gain knowledge in a wide range of subjects including:
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Popular culture
  • Politics
  • Art
  • Women’s Studies
Earning a degree in African American Studies is available at the Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. Graduate certificates and undergraduate certificates are also available, but they may be less common.

Certificate Programs in African American Studies

An undergraduate certificate in African American Studies can be a great introductory program to this field of study. Students can earn an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program or with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree.

A graduate certificate in African American Studies is designed for students who wish to enhance or diversify their studies by acquiring most or all of their baccalaureate credits.

Graduate certificates are popular with professionals already working in a related field that serves a multicultural population. They can enhance career advancement and salary prospects. A graduate certificate in African American Studies is also an excellent asset for those seeking to embark on a new career.

Jobs with a Certificate in African American Studies:

  • Human Service Assistants- Provide services for clients and specific populations of clients in a variety of social service fields. Human Service Assistants may work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, and state and local governments. Median Annual Salary: $35,000.
  • Home Health Aide- Monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. May work at a variety of locations, including a long-term care facility, senior living community, or client homes. May specialize in specific client populations given area(s) of expertise. Median Annual Salary: $37,000.
Ready to start your Certificate in African American Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Michigan State University- Offers a PhD Graduate Certificate in African Studies. Michigan State participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Associate Degree in African American Studies

An Associate Degree in African American Studies is a great opportunity for students who are thinking about a career in fields such as:
  • Law
  • Education
  • Social Work
  • Journalism
  • Politics
  • Law Enforcement
African American Studies degrees are excellent interdisciplinary programs to prepare students for careers and further educational success.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in African American Studies:

  • Teacher Assistant- Work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction. May specialize in specific student populations given area(s) of expertise. Median Annual Salary: $29,000.
  • Legal Assistant- Perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers. Median Annual Salary: $52,000.
  • Law Enforcement- Police officers protect lives and property. Median Annual Salary: $67,000.
Ready to start your Associate Degree in African American Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Contra Costa College- Offers an Associate of Arts in African American Studies. Contra Costa College does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Bachelor's Degree in African American Studies

An undergraduate degree in African American Studies will explore a wide range of topics including:
  • The varieties and histories of racial and cultural subgroups of African Americans
  • Construction (and reconstruction) of African American identities over time
  • Theoretical lessons from comparisons among and between groups of African American populations and non-African American populations
  • General principles that influence racial and ethnic relations
  • Leadership and relationships within and between diverse communities
Upon graduation, students can enter the workforce or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in African American Studies:

Ready to start your Bachelor’s Degree in African American Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

American University- Offers a Bachelor of Arts in African American and African Diaspora Studies. American University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Michigan State University– Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Global and Area Studies-Africa Track. Michigan State participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Syracuse University- Offers a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies. Syracuse University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Master's Degree in African American Studies

A Master’s Degree in African American Studies is a popular choice for those seeking to become an expert in their chosen fields such as social sciences and public policy. A graduate degree in African American Studies is also a great choice for those choosing career paths such as research or teaching.

In comprehensive graduate programs, students will look to the past to gain a deeper knowledge of the histories of African Americans and all sub-cultural identities. A comprehensive graduate program will also look to the future and address the many aspects of life that are of significance to the African American populations including cultural, social, and political.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in African American Studies:

 

GI Bill-approved Schools Offering Master's in African American Studies

Ready to start your Master’s Degree in African American Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Michigan State University

Offers a Master of Arts in African American and African Studies and an MA with a Concentration in African Studies. Michigan State participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.



Syracuse University

Offers a Master of Arts in Pan-African Studies. Syracuse University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.



Doctorate in African American studies

Earning a doctoral degree in African American Studies will help bring students to the apex of their educational careers. Students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in African American Studies. A doctoral degree offers students the opportunity to become well-respected experts in their field, with many PhD graduates sharing their wealth of knowledge via careers in writing, research, and teaching.

Jobs with a Doctoral Degree in African American Studies:

GI Bill-approved Schools Offering a Doctorate in African American Studies

Ready to start your Doctorate in African American Studies? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Michigan State University

Offers a PhD in African American and African Studies (AAAS). Michigan State participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.