Delve into the vast and rich cultures of the African peoples. Explore the history, complexities, and contributions of people of African descent, including African-American, Caribbean, and African diaspora. The interdisciplinary design of our program combines aspects of social sciences and humanities, which provide a comprehensive education of African cultures.
Examining the struggles and challenges faced by the African people illuminates the valuable skills and ideologies that helped them succeed. It is through this knowledge and understanding that we gain an appreciation for diversity and learn more about ourselves in the process. Graduates of this program learn to convey these lessons and insight to others, making them assets in any field.
Degree Requirements:
This flexible degree program can be customized, and it is often earned as a double major because it complements any field of interest. Classes are small, professors are active scholars, and they offer hands-on support and guidance to students. Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, an internationally acknowledged artist in the US and throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe, teaches several Africana Studies.
The undergraduate major can be accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
September 2025
College of Liberal Arts
Southern Illinois University,
CARBONDALE,
Illinois,
62901, United States
Students need to have Transcripts from high school and/or college. At SIU Carbondale, applicants for admission will be eligible for automatic admission if they are on track to complete our course pattern requirements and who meet one of the following criteria: A cumulative high school GPA of 2.75; A ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class.
English Language Requirement: Any one of the following methods will automatically meet the minimum English requirement. Applicants who do not meet the automatic English language admission requirement will undergo a holistic review to determine potential admissibility.
TOEFL (IBT internet-based test) - 68
TOEFL (paper based test) - 520
ITEP - 4.0 (academic plus only)
IELTS - 6.0
2 Face-to-face English composition classes taken in the U.S. at the college level with a grade of A or B
More than 48 college-level credit hours completed at a U.S. institution
If an applicant is from a country whose primary language is English
Graduation from a U.S. high school having spent the final 2 years in the U.S.
Meeting the SAT or ACT requirements for admission of domestic freshmen
Duolingo English Test (accepted during COVID-19 closures)- 95
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
