Africana Studies

About the Major

Africana studies is an interdisciplinary approach to understand the historical, political, and cultural experiences of people of Africa and African descent across the globe. You will develop your own unique perspective of justice, freedom, and equality. The major allows students to think critically about the function of race within individuals, institutions, and society while gaining an awareness of social justice issues. For this major, you will choose a concentration in one of three areas: Africa, Caribbean and Latin America, or North America.

Skill and abilities this major develops include: cultural competency, writing, public speaking, critical thinking, research, and teamwork (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Engaged Learning Experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service Learning

We believe strongly in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. If you want to make a difference, too, you have a home here.

Career Services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career path--like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni and recent graduates.

Study Abroad

Choose among programs in 50+ countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are available

Opportunities After Graduation

Africana studies majors have many different opportunities after graduation in Indianapolis and nationwide. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2017), employment in the field of human resources is expected to grow at an average rate of 5% for 2014 to 2025; public relations is expected to grow at an average rate of 6%; and the field of social and community service management is expected to grow at 10%.

The average starting salary for IUPUI liberal arts graduates was $38,937 for the May 2019 graduating cohort. The median starting salary for minority studies was $46,750 for the class of May 2016, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2017).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Africana studies majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas: business, law, social work, education counseling, medicine, and public affairs.

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

Intro to African American and African diaspora studies
Globalization, struggle, and empowerment in African diaspora
Cultures of Africa
Black church in America
Race and ethnic relations
Black American writing

Possible Careers

Community service manager
Human resources generalist
Journalist
Lawyer*
Multicultural affairs officer
Public relations specialist
Social worker*

*These career options require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Business
Community and public affairs
Indiana public schools
IUPUI
Nonprofits

Complementing Interests

SSocial

EEnterprising

IInvestigative

Get your interest code

Where to Get More Information

IU School of Liberal Arts

Africana Studies Department Cavanaugh 441

Africana Studies Association

Liberal Arts Career Development Office

Cavanaugh Hall 243B; 317-274-1224

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

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