Department of Africana Studies: Requirements for Major

To major in Africana Studies, a student must accumulate a minimum of 30 credits in Africana Studies courses. The department offers two broad concentrations in either the humanities or social sciences within the major. Students concentrating in the social sciences must take two humanities courses: one lower-level and one upper-level course. Students concentrating in the humanities must likewise take two social science courses: one lower-level and one upper-level. All majors, regardless of concentration, are required to take the following courses:

AFRCNA 0031: Introduction to Africana Studies

AFRCNA 1068: Africana Senior Research Seminar

AFRCNA 1900: Internship (Field Placement)

Majors are required to attain at least a 2.00 quality point average in Africana Studies courses. The department recommends that courses taken for the major not be taken on a Satisfactory/Audit basis. Students who wish to have a double major should decide in their sophomore year. In addition to meeting the departmental requirements for a degree, students must have 12 credits in a related discipline, preferably in one department. Often students find that this results easily in a double major option. Students should plan their program expectations with the department advisor no later than their junior year. By then, they should be well into their major. All of the courses taught in the Department of Africana Studies are open to non-majors, and students in many different disciplines will find the courses relevant to them. In addition, many courses fulfill CAS General Education Requirements.

Opportunities with an Africana Studies Major

Because of our programs multi- and inter-disciplinary nature, many of our majors have gone to pursue careers in the following professions: law, education, politics, business, medicine, social work, public administration, theatre, psychology, economic development, non-profit management, public health, writing, computer science, information science, child development, African studies, history, and music.

Study Abroad Options for Africana Studies Majors

Students are strongly encouraged to add an international dimension to their undergraduate education through the Study Abroad and/or Semester At Sea programs. By participating in a Study Abroad and/or Semester At Sea program, a student can earn credits toward their degree in Africana Studies, as well as gain a meaningful life experience. We invite you to investigate these and other options further by calling the Study Abroad and Semester At Sea offices at:

Study Abroad Office
University of Pittsburgh
802 William Pitt Union
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Tel: (412)648-7413
Email: stdyabrd@pitt.edu

Semester At Sea Office
University of Pittsburgh
811 William Pitt Union
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Tel: (412)648-7490 or (800)854-0195
Web: http://www.semesteratsea.com

In addition, students are strongly encouraged to become more active members in campus and non-campus organizations. We believe that it is in the best interest of the student to become involved in as many activities as possible as a means of expanding their critical thinking, communication skills, and sense of social responsibility.

Organizations Associated with the Department of Africana Studies

Black Action Society (BAS)	African Student Organization (ASO)
The African Heritage Classroom Committee	The African Dance and Drum Ensemble and the Black Dance Workshop
Kuntu Repertory Theatre	Kuntu Writer's Workshop