Africana Studies

About the Africana studies major

Africana studies is an interdisciplinary approach to understand the historical, political, and cultural experiences of people of Africa and African descent across the globe. You'll develop your own unique perspective of justice, freedom, and equality.

The major allows students to think critically about the function of race within individuals, institutions, and society while gaining an awareness of social justice issues. For this major, you'll choose a concentration in one of three areas: Africa, Caribbean and Latin America, or North America.

Skill and abilities this major develops: cultural competency, writing, public speaking, critical thinking, research, and teamwork (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service learning

We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.

Career services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career paths—like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.

Study abroad

Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,000 openings for social and community service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 132,600 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Many of the above openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for the School of Liberal Arts graduates was $44,206, and the median was $38,800.

The national median annual salary for social and community service managers was $74,000 in 2021 and $79,640 for a postsecondary teacher (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Africana studies majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Business
Education counseling
Law
Medicine
Public affairs
Social work

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Black American writing
Black church in America
Cultures of Africa
Globalization, struggle, and empowerment in African diaspora
Introduction to African American and African diaspora studies
Race and ethnic relations

Possible careers

Community service manager
Human resources generalist
Journalist
Lawyer*
Multicultural affairs officer
Public relations specialist
Social worker*

*These careers require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Business
Community and public affairs
IU Indianapolis
Nonprofits
Public schools

Complementing interests

SSocial

EEnterprising

IInvestigative

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Africana Studies Program

(CA 441)

Africana Studies Association

Liberal Arts Office of Career Development

(CA 243B; 317-274-1224)

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

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