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African and African American Studies

African and African American Studies

What is African & African-American Studies?

The African & African American Studies (AFAM) program offers the B.A. degree in African & African American Studies.  AFAM has the mission to provide studies with a broad, interdisciplinary education inclusive of a focus on Africa and the traditional areas of study of the African American Studies / Black Studies discipline.

AFAM offers areas of concentration, such as: Arts & Aesthetics; Literature & Oral Traditions; Community Theory & Practice; Gender; African Studies and History.

Do my interests fit?

African and African American Studies students typically have interests in:

  • Culture
  • Societal issues
  • History
  • Economics
  • Political institutions
  • Analysis and research
  • Communication
  • Cultural sensitivity

African and African American Studies FAQ

An African and African American Studies student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students in the program are encouraged to also pursue dual majors.  Students may also choose to enroll with a minor in AFAM.

AFAM majors have entered graduate school or the workforce in the following areas:
Law, history, community service, nonprofit organizations, journalism, the arts, education, social services and many more.

African & African-American Studies courses include:

  • Intro to AFAM Studies
  • Africa & the Diaspora
  • African Amer. History to 1877
  • African Amer. History since 1877
  • Research Methods
  • Community organizer
  • Public interest advocate
  • Religious leader
  • Public relations manager
  • Teacher
  • Professor
  • Lawyer
  • Psychologist
  • Social worker
  • Federal, State, & Local Government Agencies

OU has numerous study abroad opportunities for students of all majors. Whether you want to take electives, lower-division courses, or major requirements, be sure to check out what education abroad opportunities are available to you through the College of International Studies. 

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

The University of Oklahoma Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences

Department of African and African American Studies
Phone: (405) 325-2327
Email: Nesha.S.Williams-1@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/cas/afam