Africana Studies (BA)
Tucson, Arizona, United States, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies
University of Arizona
Africana Studies
Program Overview: BA in Africana Studies at the University of Arizona
The Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies at the University of Arizona investigates the historical and contemporary experiences of Africana peoples and how they are shaped by gender, class, race, and global conditions. Housed within the College of Humanities, this interdisciplinary program prepares you to become a change-maker and thought leader in a global economy spanning the Caribbean, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.
Students choose from one of three emphases: African American History, Culture and Aesthetics; Comparative Global African Diaspora; or Performance, Media, and Digital Africana Studies. Classes focus on literature, history, culture, film, technology, arts, politics, and more, giving you a rich and diverse academic experience.
The program equips you with essential professional skills applicable to many careers, including critical thinking, public speaking, creativity, leadership, and the ability to understand people from any background. The department is a recognized leader in digital learning and is home to the nation's first Hip-Hop minor.
Key Program Highlights
- Three distinct emphases allow you to tailor your studies to your interests, from African American history to digital Africana studies
- Home to the nation's first Hip-Hop minor, reflecting the program's innovative approach to cultural studies
- Interdisciplinary faculty with research expertise in history, literature, anthropology, African American cinema, and theater
- Opportunities for study abroad, internships, and community engagement integrated into the degree pathway
Curriculum and Modules
The BA in Africana Studies curriculum combines core foundational courses with thematic electives across three emphasis areas. You will complete core requirements, choose a thematic concentration or mix courses from multiple areas, and finish with a senior capstone project demonstrating your synthesis of knowledge.
Introduction to Africana Studies (AFAS 200)
3 CreditsProvides a comprehensive understanding of the African American experience as grounded in the humanities and social sciences. This foundational course offers a broad investigation of Africana history and culture and its evolution in the United States.
Introduction to African American Studies (AFAS/SOC 220)
3 CreditsAn interdisciplinary exploration of the social, cultural, and political dimensions of the African American experience. Students examine key historical events, institutional structures, and contemporary issues shaping African American communities.
Africana Studies Research Approaches (AFAS 302)
3 CreditsCovers practical dimensions of research in the humanities and social sciences, including the cultivation of approaches and methods that ensure reliable data collection and rigorous analysis relevant to Africana communities.
African American History 1865-Present (AFAS/HIST 210)
3 CreditsA broad investigation of African American history from Reconstruction to the present day. Students examine political movements, cultural developments, and socioeconomic transformations across more than a century of change.
African American Politics (AFAS 255)
3 CreditsAnalyzes the political engagement, voting behavior, policy advocacy, and institutional participation of African Americans within the American political system from historical and contemporary perspectives.
Senior Capstone (AFAS 498)
3 CreditsA culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA in Africana Studies at the University of Arizona is based on your academic record and standardized test scores. International students should apply through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through the entire application process and ensure all requirements are met.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompletion of secondary education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma
- GPA RequirementMinimum 3.0 unweighted GPA recommended for assured admission consideration
- Core SubjectsMathematics, English, Laboratory Sciences, and Social Sciences required
- Standardized TestsSAT or ACT scores may be considered; test-optional policy available
- International CredentialsForeign transcripts must be evaluated; contact Uni4Edu for country-specific requirements
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 70 (contact Uni4Edu for the latest requirements)
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0 (contact Uni4Edu for the latest requirements)
- Duolingo English TestAccepted; contact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Arizona offers several merit-based scholarships and financial support options for international students. Most undergraduate scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process, making it easy to be evaluated for funding when you apply through Uni4Edu.
First-Year Global Wildcat Award
USD 2,500 - USD 10,000 per year (based on GPA)A merit-based scholarship for incoming first-year international students. The award amount depends on your GPA as converted to the U.S. grading system. No separate application is required; students are automatically considered during admission.
Transfer Global Wildcat Award
USD 2,500 - USD 10,000 per year (based on GPA)A merit-based scholarship for outstanding incoming international transfer students who have completed 12 or more transferable college-level units from an accredited institution. Automatically considered during the admission process.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BA in Africana Studies develop versatile skills in critical thinking, communication, cultural competency, and leadership that are highly valued across a wide range of industries. The interdisciplinary nature of this degree prepares you for careers in public service, education, law, media, and beyond.
Potential Career Roles
Common Employer Types
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Arizona is a highly regarded public research institution founded in 1885 in Tucson, Arizona. It consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States and is recognized globally for its research output, innovative programs, and commitment to diversity.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | QS World University Rankings | Top 200 (contact Uni4Edu for current data) |
| Social Sciences | U.S. News & World Report | Top 150 (contact Uni4Edu for current data) |
| Most Innovative Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #48 |
| Hispanic-Serving Institutions | U.S. News & World Report | #12 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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