Skip to Content

Department of African American Studies

  • faculty group picture

About

The Department of African American Studies at UofSC was established in 1971 to shine a light on the African American experience throughout history. Scholars in this program have advanced our social, cultural and political understanding of the African American experience. Studying Black intellectual traditions gives our students the perspectives to adapt to a changing world and informs our commitment to social equity and civil discourse. 

Develop Your Strengths 

Students who earn a bachelor's degree in African American Studies  have a wide variety of opportunities in pursuing graduate studies and careers. Our undergraduates go on to earn graduate degrees in subjects such as history, journalism and law and pursue careers in education, politics, health care, social work, tourism, business, non-profit management and more. 

Students can major or minor in African American Studies. Some prominent Black Americans who have earned bachelor’s degrees in AFAM Studies include attorney and former First Lady Michelle Obama , astronaut  Mae Jemison or 60 Minutes correspondent  Bill Whitaker, but countless others have led successful careers and made an impact in their communities thanks to their foundation in AFAM. 

Learn more about a major or minor in African American Studies and  apply now.  

Our Legacy

Much has changed in the world since 1971. The intervening decades have brought a massive and still-growing body of new scholarship on the life and culture of peoples of African descent. Increasing public interest in the African American experience has spurred radical changes in popular culture and American society. Greater awareness of Black intellectual traditions has enriched current studies. More extensive access to scholarship across the African Diaspora has reconfigured the possibilities for all scholars of the African American experience. 

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

©