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African American Studies, B.A.

College of Arts and Sciences

Immerse yourself in the Black experience in history, literature, arts, science and more as you learn to think critically and impact the world.

Learn about the historical, spiritual and artistic aspects of the Black experience. You will explore the challenges, triumphs and contributions of African Americans, preparing you to understand and serve diverse populations in fields such as education, law and business.

Program Highlights

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    Robust Curriculum

    Study African American art, culture, history and society under the guidance of a faculty that works in numerous topics.

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    Global Cultures

    Take courses focusing on elements of African, Caribbean, Black-Latino and Black-Asian American cultures.

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    Experiential Learning

    Supplement your education through trips to landmarks such as the National Museum of African American History.

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    Insightful Speakers

    Hear from cultural icons, political leaders and civil rights activists in our lectures and other events.

What You’ll Study

Your interdisciplinary studies explore all aspects of the African American experience, from spirituals to hip hop, science fiction to politics, health and education, and more. Some of our most popular courses include Black Activism and Culture and Identity in the African Diaspora.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Diplomacy

    Handling sensitive or delicate situations with tact, sensitivity and professionalism

    Cultural Awareness

    Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs

    Intercultural Competence

    Developing the skills to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across cultures

  • Multicultural Awareness

    Understanding cultural variation and adapting behaviors and communication styles accordingly

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

    Understand Complexity

    Analyzing and synthesizing information to identify patterns and connections

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Social Worker
  • Nonprofit Leader
  • Educator
  • Lawyer
  • Journalist
  • Artist

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Director of TRIO Partnerships
  • Independent Business Owner
  • Program Assistant & Outreach Specialist
  • Teacher

Workplace Settings

  • Law
  • Social Work
  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Medicine

Employers of Alumni

  • University of South Carolina
  • International African American Museum
  • SC Department of Health and Human Services
  • The Rockefeller Foundation

My background in African American Studies has proven advantageous to me professionally and has deeply shaped my worldview personally. I understand my role as a descriptor, prescriber and corrector regarding matters related to our collective humanity.

Salandra Bowman, Chief Learning Officer, South Carolina ETV
Portrait of Salandra Bowman, Chief Learning Officer, South Carolina ETV

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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