Why study Africana Studies?

Majors in Africana Studies use a variety of approaches to explore and better understand the experiences of African, African American, Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-European populations in a global context. This interdisciplinary major employs analytical tools from fields such as sociology, psychology, literature, anthropology, politics and history to explore important social issues facing people of African descent, from continental Africa and throughout the African Diasporas.

In this major, students acquire effective skills in developing an interdisciplinary cultural and social approach to the field; an ability to combine an intersectional theoretical approach with an applied research focus; critical thinking, written and oral communication skills; and knowledge of Africana people of the Diasporas.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of this major pursue many different careers. A few examples include:

• Community organizer
• Public Administration
• Law
• Foreign Services
• Museum Curator
• Philanthropy
• Social Worker
• Education
• University Student Services
• Writer
• Financial Services

Minoring in Africana Studies

The Department of Africana Studies offers a minor in Africana studies for undergraduates enrolled in any college of the university. Students minoring in Africana studies must complete required courses offered by the Department of Africana Studies and from approved courses offered in other academic areas. The minor is intended for students who want to develop a specialty in Africana studies that will complement their existing areas of study.

Is the minor for you?

A minor in Africana studies will provide students the unique opportunity to explore and learn about the cultural, social and historical experiences of people of African origin. Africana studies is inherently interdisciplinary and global in perspective. Students who minor in Africana studies must complete coursework offered by the Department of Africana Studies and from approved courses offered by other academic units throughout the university. A minor in Africana studies is a perfect complement to any major and is designed to attract students who seek intensive studies on the diverse cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora.

Career opportunities

Not only can the minor in Africana studies benefit students preparing for graduate programs in liberal arts disciplines, the minor can be used in conjunction with a traditional major to prepare for many professions. With the growing emphasis on multi-cultural education in the United States, a minor in Africana studies is an added advantage to students interested in teaching careers. Students preparing for careers in business might apply the minor to marketing careers where skills of working with diverse populations are in increasing demand. Students entering social service positions where knowledge of an African American clientele is a must might find the minor useful in supplementing their pre-professional or technical training. Africana studies courses take a global perspective. All students might benefit from a minor that stresses global issues.

File the Application to Minor in Africana Studies form with the department. In addition, declare the minor with the College of Arts and Sciences [click here to declare online]

A certificate in African studies is also offered. Students may want to enroll in the certificate program to enhance their major. Students are required to take courses from the Department of Africana Studies and/or from other colleges on campus.

Major Maps

• Guide: Africana Studies (BA) Curriculum

Advising

For more information, please contact undergraduate program director, Dr. Guy-Lucien Whembolua at guy-lucien.whembolua.uc.edu

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-extensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

University of Cincinnati 3 + 3 Law School Admissions

This major welcomes eligible students who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree and a UC law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and time over the traditional path to becoming a lawyer. Students will receive careful advising to complete their major and A&S core degree requirements in 3 years. More information is available here.

Special Programs

Internship Program - Senior majors can choose to enhance their coursework with work experience. An internship is an unpaid work experience that allows majors to use their curriculum-based knowledge in Africana studies to prepare for employment and/or graduate school after graduation. Designed to provide a learning experience that takes place in a setting outside the university, the unpaid internship gives majors academic credit for practical experience. A variety of locations offer opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge learned within Africana studies. For example, some students might investigate internship opportunities in community organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League, Cincinnati Neighborhood Community Councils, advocacy groups, the United Way and similar fraternal and religious organizations. Other majors may pursue internships in public sector settings such as the Cincinnati Public Schools, and various agencies of city government. Still other majors might investigate internships in private sector settings such as local corporations and black-owned and operated businesses.

Teaching Practicum - Upon invitation of the faculty, senior majors may earn academic credits by serving as teaching assistants. Students work closely with faculty members who teach lower division core courses. This is a training situation for senior majors interested in pedagogical issues in Africana studies. Students will serve as teaching assistants in African Diaspora cultures, African and African American history, literature and sociology.

Angelene Jamison-Hall Scholarship in Africana Studies - The department invites its majors to apply for two $500 scholarships to be awarded in the autumn of any given academic year.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cumulative  and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries, please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

International Student Requirements

International applicants, please visit the International Admissions page for more information.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

Accreditation