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Conversation with the Class of 1966 First Black Freshman Graduates

African American Studies - A.B.

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.

Program Web site
Course descriptions
Curriculum
Other Degrees/Programs Offered:

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:
https://afam.franklin.uga.edu/undergraduate-students

For graduate students:
https://afam.franklin.uga.edu/graduate-students

Possible Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Advertising Agent
  • Advocate
  • Anthropologist
  • Biographer
  • Business Manager
  • Case Worker
  • Civil Service Worker
  • College Professor
  • Community Planner
  • Community Relations
  • Copy Editor
  • Creative Writer
  • Customer Services Associate
  • Educator / Professor
  • Employment Counselor
  • Ethnologist
  • Field Organizer
  • Foreign Affairs Officer
  • Foreign Aid Worker
  • Genealogist
  • Geographer
  • Health Administrator
  • Historian
  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Human Service Worker
  • Independent Consultant
  • Independent Filmmaker
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative Aide
  • Linguist
  • Museum Worker
  • Non-Profit Foundation Manager
  • Program Assistant
  • Psychologist
  • Public Service Worker
  • Research Associate
  • Resource Preservationist
  • Sociologist
  • Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator

 

Employers:
  • 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

 

General Research Information:

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.

apero audience.jpg.jpeg
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

ANightAtTheMorton audience.jpg.jpeg
The audience at the historic Morton theatre during “A Night at the Morton”: Celebrating Black Traditions in Athens Musical Culture.
Accreditation:

Program is fully accredited.

Source:
UGA Career Center

 

Schedule Visit How to Apply Cost of Tuition

Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts:
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.

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