Northeastern University

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Africana Studies at Northeastern University provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the African Diaspora, focusing on its history, culture, politics, and social transformations. This program emphasizes research and community engagement, equipping students with critical thinking and writing skills essential for various career paths and further academic pursuits.

What you'll study

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to build foundational knowledge before advancing to thematic coursework, electives, and research-focused learning. Students will engage with a variety of indicative course themes, including:

• The African-American Experience through Music
• Black Popular Culture
• John Coltrane and the History of Jazz in the United States
• Gender, Race, and Medicine
• Global Health
• American Women Writers
• Early African-American Literature
• Possession, Sacrifice, and Divination in African Diasporic Religions
• The African American Novel
• Gender and Black World Literatures
• Analysis of American Racism
• Black Community and Social Change
• The Scope and Dynamics of Conflicts in Africa
• Swahili, Culture, and Politics in Kenya

Learning is typically organized into core foundational courses that introduce key concepts and debates, distribution across various disciplines such as history and sociology, as well as electives that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests. Research and writing assignments further strengthen analytical skills, culminating in a capstone project or thesis as per the degree plan.

Entry requirements

Admission to the B.A. in Africana Studies program does not require GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic record and overall application. For those applying from U.S. high schools, a secondary school transcript and school report are necessary.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Africana Studies program are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities across multiple sectors, including education, public policy, social services, and community engagement. The skills developed throughout the program also provide a strong foundation for further study in graduate programs related to social sciences, humanities, and law.