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African American Studies

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is African American Studies?

African American Studies is a field that explores the life and culture of African American peoples. You will learn about African diaspora, with a focus on relationships, patterns, and ties. As an African American Studies student, you’ll analyze the historical, political, social, and economic issues affecting African Americans. You’ll also develop creative, critical thinking, communication, computer, and statistical skills.

Career Options

  • Criminal judgement
  • Human resources
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Medicine
  • Teaching
  • Social work

Post-Graduation Success1

85% employed or continuing education

55% employed after graduation

26% attending graduate school

4% volunteering

$36,509 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Great Oaks Legacy Charter School, Manchester University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Technology Services View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Chicago, University of California, Los Angeles, Depaul University View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

72% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,992
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $36,930

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $33,344
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $57,622

International

  • Tuition: $35,872
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,150

Related Majors

1 Due to insufficient survey results available for this particular program, Post-Graduation data come from several majors within a similar interest area. Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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