African Studies

Overview

African studies programs include topics such as:

• African culture and life
• History
• Politics
• Economics
• Historical conflicts
• Literature and folklore
• Film studies
• African languages, such as Swahili, Hausa, Arabic, Bambara, or Twi

In addition, students learn about different countries and regions within Africa.

Schools

Community colleges offer associate degree programs in African studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in African studies. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. Many colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in African studies. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments. In African studies it may be history, liberal arts, international relations, and humanities.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in African studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• African-American and Black Studies
• Anthropology
• History
• Humanities
• Latin American Studies
• Social Sciences, General
• Sociology

Related Careers

Careers to Consider

• Anthropologists
• Archeologists
• Curators
• Economists
• Geographers
• High School Teachers
• Historians
• Market Research Analysts
• Museum Technicians and Conservators
• Political Scientists
• Sociologists
• University and College Teachers
• Writers

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Comparative Government
• Economics
• European History
• Humanities
• International Relations
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
• Political Science
• Second Language
• World Area Studies
• World Geography
• World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Most programs also require that you speak, read, write, and understand at least one African language at an advanced level.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Academic writing sample

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Anthropology
• Culture and Ethnic Relationships
• Demography
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Language
• Literature, Film, and Folklore
• Political Systems
• Public Health
• Sociology
• Women in Africa

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs in African studies typically require:

• Required courses
• Thesis (master's degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Some programs only focus on select African countries and languages.

There are over 50 countries on the African continent. Many of them are south of the Sahara Desert. The Sahara extends from the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Mediterranean Sea and Atlas Mountains on the north, the Red Sea and Egypt on the east, and the Sudan and the valley of the Niger River on the south.

You may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, or studying in Africa. This gives you an immersion experience and the chance to practice your language skills with native speakers.

Schools

King-Snohomish Area

Northwest University

• Intercultural Studies--Africa Studies Concentration

Shoreline Community College

• African Studies (Transfer)