African and African American Studies, BA


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus, or online
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: General program math intensity general
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

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Major Map on-campus archive

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Explore important issues facing African-descended peoples from different historical, cultural, sociological, political and psychological perspectives, and allow passion and knowledge to shape how you benefit others in a variety of areas.

Program Description

The African and African American studies program at ASU has assembled a dynamic faculty engaged in investigating the riveting complexities of Africa.

Trained in a variety of disciplines that include anthropology, health, history, journalism, literature, sociology, political science and women's studies, the faculty guide students as they examine a wide array of critical issues facing African-descended peoples across the stages of life at various times and places in history.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Science and Technology Policy

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

Through its emphasis on various social aspects and groups, the African and African American studies program provides students with practical applications useful for various workplaces. This program helps students develop cultural sensitivity and prepares them for careers in:

  • administration
  • advertising
  • business
  • counseling
  • education
  • health care
  • human resources
  • international relations
  • journalism
  • justice
  • law

Graduates are prepared for work in many arenas, including:

  • business --- corporations, hotel chains, public relations firms, sales departments, the insurance industry, travel agencies
  • civic --- civil rights organizations, nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, the Peace Corps
  • education --- colleges and universities, museums, research organizations
  • government --- law firms, political action groups

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 4%
  • Median Salary*: 85000

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

History Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.3%
  • Median Salary*: 79400

Investment Fund Managers


  • Growth: 16%
  • Median Salary*: 139790
  Bright Outlook

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates


  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 151030

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 64030
  Bright Outlook

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 83770

Social and Community Service Managers


  • Growth: 9.1%
  • Median Salary*: 74240
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Global Education programs enable students to experience a very different cultural environment. Learning to adapt can be challenging at first, but rewarding by the end of the adventure. Students learn to grow outside of their comfort zone as they learn more about the world, and they may even change the way they think about and perceive others.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends specific study abroad programs for students majoring in African and African American studies.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.