Africana Studies Minor

What you will study

Gain an understanding of African and African-descended peoples and their impact on society — both historical and current. Beyond the core curriculum, you can choose to focus your Africana studies in literary, geographical, political and historical development or gender, culture and social issues. The interdisciplinary nature of this minor allows you to choose from a wide variety of courses, such as:

• The African-American in American History
• History and Development of Jazz
• Race and Ethnic Politics in the United States
• Social Inequality
• African-American Women, Gender and Girlhood

Our faculty also offer classes on special topics particularly relevant today. Previous subjects have included African history, the Tulsa Race Massacre and Chadwick Boseman. No matter the course, you’ll enjoy small class sizes that promote interaction and discussion with your peers and faculty.

Earn credit for previous experience and study abroad

Depending on when you begin your Africana studies, you can complete this minor in one to four semesters. If you’ve already taken courses that apply or have studied abroad in an applicable area, you can finish your minor quicker. The program coordinator will look at your transcripts to see how your achievements can be applied to UCM’s Africana Studies minor.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in Africana studies

Immerse yourself in social justice causes, hear enlightening presentations on campus from national and regional speakers and travel to conferences as part of your Africana Studies minor education. At the University of Central Missouri, you'll have real-world learning opportunities when you:

• Participate in campus events: Over the years, we’ve hosted many luminaries to speak in classes and present as part of UCM’s Felice Hill Gaines Lecture in Africana Studies. This event is named in honor of the first African-American professional hired by UCM in 1966.
• Study abroad with Africana studies: Take your learning to Jamaica or Ghana, where you’ll participate in service-learning projects and fully engage in the culture for an immersive education and experience. UCM has a partnership with Webster University to create a seamless opportunity for students to engage globally.
• Enjoy highly engaged cultural learning: UCM’s proximity to Kansas City enables engaged learning opportunities through visits to the Black Archives of Mid-America, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the 18th & Vine historic district.

 

What can you do with a minor in Africana Studies from UCM?

Over 70% of UCM’s Africana Studies program graduates continue their education to complete a master’s degree or other graduate program. Our alumni have been accepted by prestigious schools such as Vanderbilt and Washington University.

Whether you choose this path or go right into your career following graduation, you’ll take the tenets of Africana Studies and a passion for inclusivity with you. 

Like students who have come before you, you’ll use your education to enhance your primary area of study and chart your own career path in fields such as:

• Civil services 
• Cultural resources management
• Social work
• Human resources
• Public relations and strategic communication
• Advocacy
• Education

For example, early in his teaching career, Dr. Adrian Singletary — a UCM graduate who is now a school principal — got involved in the historic preservation of schools, specifically those of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Through your Africana studies, you can make a real difference no matter where your future takes you.

Get expert help from UCM Africana Studies faculty for any endeavor

Be confident in the encouragement and strong mentorship you’ll receive from UCM faculty. They’ll work with you to prepare for your next step and write recommendation letters to help you get into the graduate program or job you want.

Use the interactive tool below to learn what career possibilities await you with your Africana Studies minor from UCM.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Africana Studies minor

A minor in Africana Studies can have a profound impact on your life and career, no matter your background or discipline. To help you get this college experience, UCM offers means to finance your education, including loans, grants, work-study opportunities and scholarships.

Scholarship available for Africana Studies students

Africana Studies minors are eligible to apply for the Blanche Kelso Bruce/Rob Madden Scholarship in Africana Studies, which was originally made possible by the late UCM alumnus, Madden, and recently renamed in his honor.

You may also qualify for additional scholarships based on your undergraduate degree or if you choose to study abroad. Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to search for opportunities.

 

Explore minors related to Africana studies.   Consider these other UCM minors to expand your cultural perspective in new directions: Anthropology Minor International Studies Minor World Languages and Cultures Minor