Interested in a degree in African American and African Studies?
Students who pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American and African Studies study social justice, Black feminisms, genders and sexualities studies, performance, film, institutions, religion and more — all with respect to the diversity and complexity of Black communities and Blackness as it is lived, imagined and created. Students also have the opportunity to engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary, and creative study. A degree in African American and African Studies gives students a nuanced understanding of African and African American cultural, historical and political impact — in addition to the structural challenges Black people continue to face today — and offers the opportunity to advocate for and contribute directly to Black communities throughout the diaspora.
The African American and African Studies degree program offers three concentrations: communities in action; creative expression, culture and performance; and Black institutions, sustainability and statecraft.
Alumni Pursuits
Graduates with a degree in African American and African Studies pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that require critical thinking, creative problem-solving, data analysis, the ability to evaluate, communicate and understand people from any background, excellent writing and communication skills, and the ability to take initiative and handle difficult and abstract tasks. With the following career paths, having a degree in African American and African Studies also allows for graduates to have a more in-depth focus and understanding on how to build community with, support and advocate for Black people and communities.
Alumni work at:
Publishing companies
Nonprofits and NGOs
Schools (K-12 and higher education)
Medicine and health institutions
Performing arts and entertainment companies
Tech industry businesses
Political organizations and government
Alumni work as:
Archivists
Writers
Educators (K-12 and higher education)
Lawyers
Nurses, doctors, health practitioners
Film directors
Content creators
Activists
Policymakers
Entrepreneurs
January 2025
College of Arts and Letters
426 Auditorium Road, Room 150,
EAST LANSING,
Michigan,
48824, United States
MSU strongly encourages a college preparatory curriculum in secondary school.
Minimum English requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Internet-based test: score of 79 with no sub score below 17; International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Regular admission: Score of 6.5 or higher; Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Minimum score of 53; minimum sub score requirement of 48.
Application submission deadline: Regular Admission: February 1.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.