Africana Studies BA

The BA in Africa Studies requires 120 course credits, which include:

31 credits – Liberal Arts Curriculum 

39 credits – Required Major Courses  

You will take the following required courses for a strong foundation in Africana Studies.  

• Introduction to Africana Studies 
• African American History I 
• African American History II  
• Survey of African American Literature 
• Dynamics of Racism 
• Community Study Project (Must take 3 credits) 
• Seminar in Africana Studies

50 credits – University Courses 

You’ll need to complete 50 additional credits for the Africana BA degree. Taking the recommended courses in both the liberal arts curriculum and the major requirements will give you more university-wide electives for this degree. Africana Studies majors are strongly encouraged to apply these extra required courses to earn a minor or a second major.

View full degree requirements in the UNC Catalog.

This four-year plan suggests a schedule to finish your bachelor’s degree and graduate on time. Courses are subject to availability. 

Year 1 – Fall Semester, 15 credits  

• Introduction to Africana Studies 
• African American History I 
• Survey of African American Literature 
• Liberal Arts Curriculum – your choice 
• University-Wide Elective – your choice

Year 1 – Spring Semester, 15 credits  

• Survey of Africa or African Civilization 
• African American History II 
• Major Elective – your choice 
• Liberal Arts Curriculum – your choice 
• University-Wide Elective – your choice 

Refer to the UNC Catalog for all degree requirements.  Consult your major advisor for details on extra graduation requirements and for course advice. 

Enhance Any Major 

Looking to complement your primary field of study? Our 18-credit minor creates a solid foundation in Africana Studies that enriches almost any major.

Core courses include: 

• Foundations of Africana Studies 
• Development of Black Identity 
• Survey of Africa 
• African Civilization 
• Dynamics of Racism 
• Africa American History I and II 

Explore more course offerings for the Africana Studies minor in the UNC Catalog.

Connected Learning Opportunities

Africana Studies naturally connects with other programs across campus. Students often find it is a great fit with our Spanish B.A. program, exploring the Latino-African connections throughout the Americas, or with our International Affairs major, examining global perspectives on African diaspora communities.

Course Highlights 

Explore compelling topics through courses such as:

• African Americans and U.S. Education, 
• The Black Woman in America 
• Revolutionary South Africa 
• The Black Church and Religious Traditions 
• Dynamics of Racism, 
• African Art 

Each course combines rigorous academic study with real-world applications.

At UNC, Africana Studies isn’t confined to the classroom. Our students have walked the historic streets of Istanbul while studying at Turkey’s premier university. They’ve uncovered fascinating stories from the Black community of Dearfield, right here near Greeley, conducting original research that contributes to our understanding of local history.  

McNair Scholars in our program regularly present their groundbreaking research at both undergraduate and professional conferences, sharing their discoveries with the academic world. 

Where will your passion for learning take you? The possibilities are endless. 

Our Africana Studies major examines the theoretical, historical, literary, and artistic developments across the African continent and throughout the African diaspora, from ancient civilizations to contemporary movements.

You’ll develop the critical thinking skills that form the backbone of a strong liberal arts education while gaining practical tools for navigating and understanding our increasingly diverse world. 

This degree doesn’t just teach you to think—it teaches you to think deeply about the complex forces that shape our global society.

Learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are committed to your success. Our faculty are outstanding teachers as well as scholars, with academic awards and scholarly publications.

You will have exceptional experiences in and out of the classroom with your professors. They are active on campus and serve as advisors to student organizations on campus and as faculty-in-residence with UNC’s Office of Housing and Residential Education.

Faculty show their commitment to their students through their activities from participating in documentaries, community events and board members of national organizations.

In our Africana Studies program, you’ll gain a deep understanding of a variety of topics.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Africana history, culture, philosophy and political movements 
• Understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities in Africana communities 
• Cultural competency for working and teaching in multicultural environments 
• Critical analysis skills applicable across professions and life situations