Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies

The African American Studies Program in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. and minor in African American Studies. It provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of African American history, culture, politics, and society. This curriculum integrates the methods and theories of the various social science, humanities, and arts disciplines into a comprehensive analysis of the life, issues, culture, and history of African Americans.

The Value of a Degree in African American Studies

As the only African American Studies major in Mississippi, professors at UM are committed to helping students gain a broad understanding of the African American experience as well as skills in social science methodology, research, analysis, writing, and public speakingall skills highly desired by employers. A deeper understanding of the African American experience prepares students to become both engaged citizens and competitive members of an increasingly global economy.

Program Information

• Degree: B.A. in African American Studies
• Required Credit Hours: 120
• Program Type: Major, Minor
• Program Location: Oxford
• School: College of Liberal Arts
• Duration: 4 Years

Degree Requirements

Find out about credit hour and course requirements from the academic catalog.

General Education Requirements

Students in the College of Liberal Arts earning the B.A. degree have a common set of 48-50 hours of general education. The specific courses taken to complete the categories of general education may differ between majors.

• First Year Writing I, II
• English Literature Survey
• Modern or Ancient Language
• History
• Additional Humanities
• Fine or Performing Arts Appreciation
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences

B.A. in African American Studies

Students in the B.A. in African American Studies complete 10 courses (30 credit hours) of African American Studies. A minimum grade of C is required in all courses applied toward the African American studies major. They also complete a minor field of study (or double major).

• AAS 201: African American Experience I
• AAS 202: African American Experience II
• 7 courses (21 credit hours) of AAS electives
• AAS 480: African American Studies Senior Seminar

Minor in African American Studies

The minor in African American studies consists of 6 courses (18 credit hours) of African American Studies.

• AAS 201: African American Experience I
• AAS 202: African American Experience II
• 4 courses (12 credit hours) of AAS electives

Department Opportunities

What are the resources for success at the university? How do you get involved in the department community? How do you best prepare for life after graduation?

Meet Student Ambassadors

No one knows the College of Liberal Arts better than our student ambassadors. They are ready to answer your questions about academics, campus life, and Oxford.

Student Success Resources

Find out about scholarship opportunities and student success resources available at the department, College, and university levels.

Undergraduate Opportunities

Enhance your education with experiences beyond the classroom to gain a more well-rounded education and be more prepared for the workforce.

Choosing a Minor (or Second Major)

Students earning the B.A. degree in the College of Liberal Arts must complete a minor field of study (or double major). Combine your African American Studies major with many other subjects based on your interests and career goals. Here are a few to explore:

• Museum Studies, Minor
• English, B.A.
• Political Science, B.A.
• Anthropology, B.A.
• History, B.A.
• Philosophy, B.A.
• Journalism, B.A.
• Linguistics, B.A.
• Social Studies Education, B.A.Ed.
• Marketing, B.B.A.
• Swahili, Minor
• Sociology, B.A.
• Psychology, B.A.

What can I do with a degree in African American Studies?

Meet African American Studies Alumni

• Senior Pastor at Fellowship Bible Church
• Project Manager at New America
• Manager at Batesville Head Start
• Center Consultant at FedEx
• Marketing Manager at Landmark Properties
• Early Childhood Faculty at University of Texas
• Teacher at Lowery Elementary School
• Corps Member at Teach for America
• Consultant at AT&T
• School Programs Coord. at Milwaukee Film
• Operations Assistant at UpRise Nashville
• Project Manager at University of Kentucky Inst. of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy