About this Degree As corporate and non-profit organizations diversity initiatives continue to expand nationally and globally, knowledge of the impact of cultures in contact becomes indispensable. A variety of companies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations seek to create cultures of inclusion. Many are using their initiatives to reach the increasingly diverse marketplaces and audiences they serve, as well as to respond to an increasingly varied network of vendors and collaborators who demand that knowledge of how cultures interact be an integral part of their missions. The theory and subject matter of African American studies allows students to leverage a broad variety of skills into rewarding careers. A BA in the history, politics, and cultures of African Americans provides knowledge of global diasporas, issues of social justice, and contemporary innovations in art and culture. What you will learn An African American studies BA prepares individuals for careers in journalism, public relations, the public policy and health sectors, and anywhere investigative skills and working with diverse groups are necessities. In addition to taking courses in literature, art, history romance languages, sociology and psychology, students will participate in research projects, colloquia, and community concerts, films and events. Opportunities also exist to intern, volunteer, or conduct research in the local community. A major in African-American studies trains students in the skills needed for graduate research and is advantageous for individuals considering advanced degrees. Faculty specializations, the Civil Rights Digital Library, and the Russell Libraries, provide interested students with a unique opportunity to focus on southern area studies. African American studies students also have the opportunity to study abroad in Accra, Ghana. Interesting Facts about this Degree or Program Astronaut Mae Carol Jemison, the first African American woman to travel aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, received her BA in African American Studies from Stanford University. Aaron McGruder, cartoonist and creator of The Boondocks, received a BA in African American Studies from the University of Maryland. African American heritage tourism is one of the fastest growing segments within the United States tourism industry. Other Information about Degree or Program We offer an undergraduate major, minor, and certificate in African American studies, as well as a graduate certificate in African American studies. For undergraduate students: For graduate students: Because we are an Institute with a community outreach mission, students also have the opportunity to assist in organizing community events. Each year, Students also have the opportunity of contributing to the publication process of our online student journal Mandala. The audience at the ‘Food and Economic Justice Lecture presented by Christina Hylton, Program Director for Athens Land Trust: Land for Conservation and Community as part of Institute for African American studies lecture series The audience at the ‘Food and Economic Justice Lecture presented by Christina Hylton, Program Director for Athens Land Trust: Land for Conservation and Community as part of Institute for African American studies lecture series Program is fully accredited. Employment Information Employers: Career Opportunities An African American studies degree prepares individuals for careers in journalism, public relations, the public policy and health sectors, and anywhere investigative skills and working with diverse groups are necessities. In addition to taking courses in literature, art, history romance languages, sociology and psychology, students will participate in research projects, colloquia, and community concerts, films and events. Opportunities also exist to intern, volunteer, or conduct research in the local community. A major in African-American studies trains students in the skills needed for graduate research and is advantageous for individuals considering advanced degrees. Faculty specializations, the Civil Rights Digital Library, and the Russell Libraries, provide interested students with a unique opportunity to focus on southern area studies. ActionAid American/International Red Cross Archives Boys and Girls Club of America Businesses or Corporations Census Bureau Colleges and Universities Consulting Firms Court Systems Diplomat Embassies Government Agencies Internet firms and Startups Labor Unions Law Firms Local Government Agencies Media Organizations Museums Multicultural Student Offices National Black Business Council News Bureaus Newspapers or Magazines Oxfam International Peace Corps Political Interest Groups Political Parties Polling Organizations Public Relations Firms Public Service Organizations Radio / Television Stations Research Organizations SAGA Communications Tennessee School System The Holton Arms School Travel Agencies United Way Upward Bound Program US African Development Foundation US Air Force US Department of Education US Department of Human Services US Department of Veterans Affairs Visitors Bureaus Vistronix Worth Magazine YMCA Possible Job Titles: ActionAid American/International Red Cross Archives Boys and Girls Club of America Businesses or Corporations Census Bureau Colleges and Universities Consulting Firms Court Systems Diplomat Embassies Government Agencies Internet firms and Startups Labor Unions Law Firms Local Government Agencies Media Organizations Museums Multicultural Student Offices National Black Business Council News Bureaus Newspapers or Magazines Oxfam International Peace Corps Political Interest Groups Political Parties Polling Organizations Public Relations Firms Public Service Organizations Radio / Television Stations Research Organizations SAGA Communications Tennessee School System The Holton Arms School Travel Agencies United Way Upward Bound Program US African Development Foundation US Air Force US Department of Education US Department of Human Services US Department of Veterans Affairs Visitors Bureaus Vistronix Worth Magazine YMCA
