A unique facet of the program is its commitment to scholarship on the continued development of Alabama as a society of interdependent individuals and institutional processes. This includes research on the African-descended communities from Holt and the west side of Tuscaloosa to the Black Belt areas of Marion, Uniontown, Greensboro, Tuskegee, Selma, and Gee's Bend, and courses that improve our understanding of the social and institutional relationships of all members of the society. The program places emphasis on developing students' understanding of the role of scientific research in providing the norms, standards, and methods for improving societal institutions.
Office: 104 Presidents Hall
https://grs.as.ua.edu/undergraduate-programs/african-american-studies-overview/
grs@as.ua.edu
Admission into the Major
Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.
Special Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to complete internships in a variety of settings. Students should contact the program office for more information. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a research methods course and to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
The University of Alabama and The University of Alabama at Birmingham offer a shared degree in African American studies. Students earning the bachelor of arts (BA) degree with a major in African American studies must complete all University, College and departmental degree requirements. These include the general education requirements, the following major requirements, all requirements for an approved minor and other sufficient credits to total a minimum of 120 applicable semester hours.
| Code and Title | Hours |
| 15 |
| Intro African Amer Study | |
| Intro African Amer Study |
| The Black Church | |
| Education Of Southern Blacks | |
| Social Inequality | |
| Black Intellectual Thought | |
| Special Topics | |
| Special Topics | |
| AAST Independent Study | |
| Special Topics | |
| 15 |
| 18 |
| 18 |
| Total Hours | 33 |
Electives
Students may petition the Department of Gender and Race Studies to substitute any of the following courses when the focus and title is on African American or racial topics:
Grade Point Average
A 2.0 grade point average in the major is required for completion of the degree. Please see the Grades and Grade Points section of this catalog for an explanation on grade point average calculations.
Upper-level Residency
A minimum of 12 hours of 300- or 400-level courses in the major must be earned on The University of Alabama (UA) or The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) campuses.
Ancillary Courses
This major does not require ancillary courses.
Required Minor
This major requires the completion of a minor.
Additional Major Requirements
A minimum of 18 hours of 300- or 400-level courses in the major must be completed, nine hours of which must be at the 400 level. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, College, major and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an adviser in the major department for academic planning and to be approved for registration each semester. College advisers are also available for additional assistance with minor, College and University requirements.
Prerequisites
Unless otherwise stated, the prerequisite for 300- and 400-level courses is junior standing or higher or permission of the instructor.
The major gives students the unique opportunity to meet the expectations of graduate admissions committees and prospective employers by demonstrating specialized knowledge in a field of study and general training in a broad liberal arts curriculum that considers some of the most important ideals of the society, social relations and institutional development. An African American Studies major is an exceptional major or second major for those who desire to attend graduate school and professional programs in the following areas: law, education, English, economics, business management, social work, sports management, publishing, public health, sociology, film studies, psychology, city planning, public administration, political science, history, art, ethnic studies, public relations, communications, and the foreign service. African American majors upon graduation teach and work in administration in secondary schools, junior colleges, and universities, and work for historical commissions, arts alliances, museums, libraries, and at all levels of government. Many majors work in the not for profit sector, in the private sector, and have successful careers in the corporate business environment.
Types of Jobs Accepted
Recent graduates have accepted jobs in both city and federal government; they work in secondary education, journalism, public relations and advertising, business, have become successful artists, work in private corporations, and have gone on to attend prestigious graduate school programs in a range of fields.
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Jobs held by alumni include attorney, teacher, journalist, retail manager, public relations and advertising executive, fiction writer, poet, performance artist, television and film actor, website developer and social media consultant, not for profit organization director, university professor, social worker, guidance counselor, corporate executive, and professional musician.
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center
