As field of inquiry, African American and African studies describes and analyzes theorigins and experiences of people of African descent wherever they live or have lived. These fields are inherently comparative, international, and interdisciplinary in approach, embracing the range of fields in the humanities and social sciences and including the performing arts.

The major prepares students for a number of careers: government, politics, international affairs, law, education, journalism, public health, religious studies, literature and the arts, and business management, to name only a few.

When declaring a major, each student chooses an adviser from the committee. In addition, she must have the approval of the program chair.

Students can choose one of two concentrations or take a combination of courses from each concentration in the major and minor. Each concentration has its own set of requirements that majors and minors have to fulfill. Students can also select a combination of courses from each concentration.