Departmental Mission

The goal of African and Afro-American studies at UNC-Chapel Hill is to give specific attention to the histories, cultures, cultural linkages, and contemporary socio-political realities of the peoples of Africa and the African Diasporas. We encourage majors to consider studying abroad in one of the expanding number of programs in Africa or the Atlantic African Diaspora.

The Department of African and Afro-American Studies is an interdisciplinary and transnational program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree.  The major offers two areas of concentration: African Studies and Afro-American Studies. Prospective majors should contact the department.

Programs of Study

The degree offered is Bachelor of Arts in African and Afro-American Studies, with a concentration either in Afro-American Studies or African Studies. Minors in Afro-American Studies or African Studies are also offered.

Graduate School and Career Opportunities

The skills and perspectives of African and Afro-American Studies provide an excellent background for students considering careers in international development, education, business, government, or diplomacy. Students concentrating in African and Afro-American Studies go on to a wide variety of managerial, teaching, and research positions. Other careers for which an African or Afro-American Studies concentration is excellent preparation include law, the foreign service, various positions in government, communications, social work, community development, and public administration.

The Department of African and Afro-American Studies supports the University’s core values encouraging diversity and equal educational and employment opportunities throughout the University community. These values are articulated in the University’s non-discrimination policy and by the office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.