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Institute for African American Studies

Serving as a repository for cultural and historical research grounded in the African American Studies discipline

Recent Graduate Testimonials

Welcome to the Institute for African American Studies

Students singing at the chapel
Students from the African American Choral Ensemble performing on the Chapel stage

The Institute for African American Studies offers students a degree that focuses on the history of the African American people, their impact on American culture, as well as their modern experience in today's world. We explore African American literature that dates back to the late 1700's, as well as their influence in theater and art.  It explores race and ethnicity in America, as well as cultural diversity and how it varies across groups.

Our institute provides students with the opportunity to participate in exciting lectures and discussions led by faculty members that are engaged in promoting the study of people of African descent and their experiences throughout history. 

Featured Content

IAAS major, Diego Palko, presented a poster in the 2024 Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) Symposium, which highlights the work of UGA students and presents an opportunity for them to communicate their research to a broader community. Mr.
By Kimberly Davis, a fourth-generation Athenian who has been a writer and editor for 25 years. Reprinted courtesy of Boom Magazine – boomathens.com.

Support African American Studies at UGA

The Institute defines support in diverse ways to give you as many options as possible to assist in our mission. We consider “friend-raising" as important as fund-raising. Your financial contributions and support help us to develop and strengthen our programs and offerings, both on campus and in the community. 

Your gift makes a big difference. Learn more about how you can donate today.

Study within African American cultural history provides a basis for understanding political, social, and economic relations throughout human history.

Graduate Certificate

The Institute for African American Studies offers a graduate certificate in African American Studies. The program is designed for currently enrolled graduate students in good standing who are matriculated in Masters, Doctoral, Professional, and Specialist degree programs, as well as non-degree seeking enrolled graduate students.

Learn more about our Graduate Certificate

Students

Conrhonda’s passion for the performing arts is grounded in her dance background, sparked by taking after-school classes at a county-wide recreational facility in rural northeast Georgia. Having grown up with limited access to the arts, she understands the importance of exposing children to…

Read Bio

Greetings from Director

I am delighted to welcome you to the webpage for and to The Institute for African American Studies. The IAAS is the unit at The University of Georgia that examines all dimensions of the African diaspora in the United States. We are an interdisciplinary faculty, with scholars from English Language and Literature, Sociology, Theater and Film Studies, History, and Religion, among others. These diverse approaches offer our majors and minors and our certificate students, both undergraduate and graduate, multiple entry points into the study of African American life. We welcome all to our program, courses, and ongoing events.

Read more from our Director