Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
Be a part of an inclusive analysis of the Black experience in America and connect education to the communities around us.
African American Studies examines our current culture from this historical perspective of Americans of African descent. The program creates an inclusive environment to study socially relevant issues of racial identity formation, structural and institutional racism, and strategies to build inclusive systems/communities. The African American Studies program at Spalding University is unique because of the emphasis on social justice.
African American Studies connects the coursework to the community through embedded service-learning experiences, internships, and research that has a direct impact on the lived experiences of the people in its community. The African American Studies program will provide in person, online, and hybrid courses.
Career Opportunities
African American Studies majors develop skills that are a necessity within today’s employers. These skills promote inclusion, diversity, and empathetic leadership that drives change. Careers by African American Study majors include: research, analysis, writing, critical thinking, and problem solving. Graduates can find themselves in career within the following industries:
- Agencies
- Nonprofits
- Educational Institutions
- Businesses
- Graduate Studies
- Grassroots Organizations
Places Our Students Have Interned
- 2NOT1 for Fatherhood and Families
- REACT (Rubbertown Emergency ACTion)
- Sowing Seeds with Faith
- West Louisville Math and Science Project
Ankh Maat Wedjau Honor Society
Through the National Council of Black Studies, eligible students will be annually nominated by African American Studies faculty and African American Studies affiliated faculty to the Ankh Maat Wedjau Honor Society. The purpose of this honor society is the study, research, publication and other scholarly activity in the field of Africana Studies among students at academic institutions, and among academic professionals in the field of Africana studies.
Earn your african american studies degree in just 120 credit hours.
- 52 hours of general university studies
- 45 credit hours of major courses
- 23 credit hours of general elective course
Related Programs
Financial Aid Options
Spalding University has a robust offering of financial aid including scholarships, grants, loans, and other types of aid. Check out our Financial Aid page for more information.
African American Studies Mission
The African American Studies major creates an opportunity for an explicit inclusion of a diverse community of learners within Spalding. This degree pathway supports interdisciplinary educational experiences that embeds community engagement in a just and peaceful world. In meeting the needs of the time, there are a number of cultural and social issues that need ongoing examination for engagement to facilitate change. A major in African American Studies will actively work to live into the Spalding mission.
Mission-Focused Approach to Learning
At Spalding, we are a diverse community of learners out to change the world. Our graduates serve at every organizational level. We have health and service professionals on the ground changing lives, business leaders transforming teams, and social movers and shakers affecting change. Through our university mission, we’ve made a commitment to fixing what is broken. On the highest level, we work to create solutions and ignite conversations focused on peace, justice and compassion. On a small scale, we put compassion into action through service to individuals and communities. We hope that you will join our movement to make a difference in the lives of others.