African American Studies, B.A.

African American studies describe the systematic investigation into the vast range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and political perspectives, experiences, and beliefs of people of African heritage around the globe, with particular focus on the African Diaspora in the United States. Students emerge from our program with a rigorous understanding of the histories, philosophies, culture, and literature emergent from the African Diaspora, thus enabling students to embark on careers in education, law, politics, business, and the arts. 

African American studies offer students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the vast diversity of the society in which they live. Students will become knowledgeable about the African diaspora and be prepared to seek careers or professional programs where they can utilize knowledge in the design and implementation of programs for, and on behalf of, African Americans and other diasporic communities.

Our students, staff, and faculty come from a range of backgrounds, experiences, and fields of study. Collectively, our mission is to combine rigorous study, creativity, and research in the production and exchange of knowledge concerning the African Diaspora.

We aim to foster a community of thinkers, scholars, activists, and artists whose work enriches understanding of how African Americans and other African Diasporic communities have mutually shaped the social worlds they inhabit.

The African American Studies major is open to all students pursuing an undergraduate degree, regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin.

Leadership

Christopher Tinson, Ph.D.
     Program Director

Curriculum Overview

A total of 30 credits are required to complete the major in African American studies. Students complete five core courses designed to introduce them to the goals of the African American studies program and to help them further develop an understanding of the African diaspora and its impact, interrelationships and dynamics in contemporary African American communities.

African American Studies courses at Saint Louis University intersect with a variety of academic majors. Courses that make the core of the African American studies degree are taught within our program. The program also offers cross-listed courses with other academic departments, and when taken for the African American studies, requirements may also fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences core requirements. The variety of courses across academic disciplines enables students to develop new ways of conceptualizing issues related to race, identity and culture in their scholarly pursuits.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

SLU's African American studies program also offers special academic opportunities such as internships and field service projects in African American communities for students who are looking for challenges outside of the classroom. Students should consult the program director for more information on this aspect of our program.

Careers

Both the African American studies major and the minor give students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the pluralistic society in which they live. 

Career options include:

• Advertising agent
• Business manager
• City planner
• Community relations specialist
• Copy editor
• Creative writer
• Educator/professor
• Health administrator
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Linguist
• Psychologist
• Sociologist
• Policy analyst
• Museum curator
• Paralegal
• University Administrator

Admission Requirements

Freshman

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. Saint Louis University also accepts the Common App.

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. College admission test scores (ACT or SAT) are used as an additional indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University and are used as qualifiers for certain University scholarship programs. To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development (GED) test.

Begin Your Application

Transfer

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.

International Applicants

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://finaid.slu.edu.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the rich complexities of the social, political, economic and cultural life primarily of people of African descent in the United States, but also those in the African diaspora and on the continent.
2. Graduates will be able to interweave arguments and approaches from multiple disciplines into their assignments and projects.
3. Graduates will be able to engage in activities that encourage them to interact with and serve the African American and the African Diasporic community in order to critically assess public positions regarding critical and controversial issues facing African, African American and African Diasporic people.

 African American studies students must complete a minimum total of 30 credits for the major.

Continuation Standards

Students with a major in African American studies must maintain a 2.00 GPA in courses for the African American studies major.

Bachelor of Arts Core Curriculum Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses [numbered below 1000]).
• Complete either the College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements
• Complete Major Requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate, and/or elective credits to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Courses listed under the intensive English program do not count toward graduation requirements.   EAP 1500 College Composition for International Students (3 cr), EAP 1900 Rhetoric & Research Strategies (3 cr) and EAP 2850 Nation, Identity and Literature (3 cr) count toward graduation requirements as equivalents to Department of English courses. In addition to those courses, six credits from EAP/MLNG courses at the 1000 level or higher may count toward graduation requirements
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
• Complete Dept/Program specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.