University of Texas at Austin

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas at Austin provides an in-depth exploration of the intellectual, political, artistic, and social experiences of individuals of African descent throughout Africa and the African diaspora, including the United States. This interdisciplinary program allows students to engage with critical issues surrounding race, gender, sexuality, class, and the concept of “global Blackness” through a diverse curriculum.

What you'll study

Core themes in the African and African Diaspora Studies program encompass race and national identity, diaspora and transnational theory, Black feminist thought, cultural and media analysis, as well as the histories of slavery, memory, and political struggle.

Course examples may include:

• African-American Social and Political Thought
• Black Studies and Social Media
• Black Women and Dance
• Race, National Identity, and the Media
• Rethinking Blackness
• Jesus, Africa, and History
• Apartheid: South African History
• Atlantic Slavery: History and Memory

The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, academic writing, and research skills through seminar-based learning, writing assignments, and thematic coursework. Students are encouraged to choose courses that align with their individual interests, such as education, law and policy, health and social inequality, or arts and cultural studies, while adhering to the official UT Austin degree plan for required and elective components.

Entry requirements

Admission to the program does not require GRE or GMAT scores. While there is no specific minimum GPA requirement, candidates are evaluated based on their overall application and academic background. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL iBT or IELTS.

Career prospects

Graduates of the African and African Diaspora Studies program can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as education, social services, public policy, law, and the arts. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to engage with complex social issues and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.