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African American Studies
Degree
BA in African American Studies
Department
At a Glance
African American studies explores profound issues of race and ethnicity with close study of African American history and its unfolding legacy. You’ll gain a deep understanding of culture in its many interlacing contexts thanks to a rigorous curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, research, analysis, intellectual agility, and cultural and social awareness. The interdisciplinary nature of African American studies allows for a rich and challenging course of inquiry, benefiting students with interests in history, policy, culture, medicine, language, law, foreign affairs, and education, among other areas.
Undergraduate Program Options
MAJOR
Inclusive Education (BS) and African American Studies Dual Major
New Jersey teacher certification in grades P–3 or K–6 and additional endorsements
MINORS
You’ll Benefit From:
- Community engagement, cultural awareness, and practical problem-solving
- A liberal arts education combined with African American scholarly tradition
- A flexible curriculum that easily accommodates double majors
- Opportunities for faculty-mentored research, internships, or study abroad
- First-rate instruction and strong mentorship from dedicated faculty
- Thorough preparation for navigating your future career path
Careers
Career possibilities with an African American studies degree are limitless — you can work to develop your experiences in the U.S. and even across the globe. You’ll be prepared with the cultural knowledge, insight, and understanding needed to compete and flourish in a diverse workforce.
Graduates are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of careers, including education, journalism, social work, civil service, medicine, business, state government, urban planning, and policy — or to continue their studies in law or graduate programs.
Experiential Learning 
You’ll have many opportunities to apply learning and practice skills throughout the program. You can participate in faculty-led research or pursue a mentored independent study that furthers your understanding in an area of interest. You can also choose to get involved with any number of relevant student groups and organizations on campus.
Study Abroad
African American studies majors and minors are encouraged to study abroad or elsewhere in the nation. From Tanzania to Trinidad, Washington, D.C., to New Orleans, you can reach across cultural divides, broaden your perspectives, and find shared values. TCNJ’s Arlotto Family Center for Global Engagement offers over 100 different study sites to choose from — around the world or around the country.
Faculty
Our accomplished African American studies faculty strive to inspire and empower students by teaching the skills to lead and work for social justice while supporting the pursuits of deeper individual understanding. Each student has a faculty mentor in the program to help guide and advise them.
