African Studies
The African Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Northwestern University offers a deeply interdisciplinary and continent-wide approach to understanding the social, political, historical, and cultural experiences of Africa and its peoples. Students explore the diversity of African societies through a curriculum that includes history, political science, anthropology, literature, art, and global studies. The program emphasizes the complexity of African identities, languages, and institutions while examining legacies of colonialism, postcolonial transformation, economic development, migration, and transnational connections. Through this lens, students develop analytical tools to engage critically with Africa's past and present on both local and global levels.
A key strength of the program lies in its integration of academic study with experiential learning, research opportunities, and language training in widely spoken African languages such as Swahili, Wolof, or Arabic. Students engage with African film, music, philosophy, and oral traditions, gaining insight into how knowledge systems are produced and circulated. Fieldwork opportunities and study abroad programs in African countries provide firsthand perspectives and allow for deeper contextual understanding. Faculty from across disciplines mentor students in independent inquiry, encouraging them to explore topics such as environmental justice, human rights, political movements, or diaspora identities through an African-centered framework. The program fosters curiosity, intellectual flexibility, and an appreciation for Africa’s global relevance in shaping the contemporary world.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: African Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: African studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of African Studies
• Introduction to African Studies
• African History Before 1800
• African Literature and Oral Traditions
• Elementary African Language I
Year 2 – Regional & Thematic Exploration
• African History Since 1800
• Politics and Society in Africa
• African Art and Visual Culture
• Elementary African Language II
Year 3 – Contemporary Issues & Research Skills
• Africa in the Global Economy
• Gender and Power in Africa
• Methods in Interdisciplinary Research
• Seminar: Conflict, Governance, and Development
Year 4 – Capstone, Fieldwork & Synthesis
• Independent Research or Honors Thesis
• Advanced Topics in African Philosophy or Culture
• Study Abroad Practicum or Applied Project
• Senior Capstone Seminar
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the African Studies program possess a globally informed, socially conscious, and culturally grounded education that opens doors to a wide variety of meaningful career paths. Many pursue roles in international development, nonprofit organizations, governmental and diplomatic services, and global education, where their expertise in African contexts, languages, and systems proves invaluable. Others work in journalism, cultural preservation, museum curation, or public health, particularly in roles focused on cross-cultural understanding, equity, and community engagement. The program also prepares students for graduate studies in anthropology, African history, political science, law, or global affairs. Employers in both the public and private sectors value African Studies graduates for their strong research abilities, cross-cultural communication skills, and commitment to addressing issues of global justice, sustainability, and human rights from informed and inclusive perspectives.
Why Choose This Program
This program is a compelling choice for students who wish to explore the histories, voices, and systems of one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic continents through deep interdisciplinary engagement. What sets Northwestern’s African Studies program apart is its strong integration of classroom theory with experiential learning, offering students a rare combination of academic rigor and direct exposure. Through language immersion, fieldwork opportunities, and regionally specific electives, students gain a firsthand understanding of African societies beyond stereotypes and headlines. Faculty expertise spans environmental issues, migration, gender, religion, visual culture, and postcolonial theory, ensuring that students can develop a specialization that reflects their interests. The program nurtures intellectual independence, intercultural competence, and critical reflexivity—traits essential for anyone seeking to work ethically and effectively in global contexts. Whether students aim to contribute to sustainable development, cultural policy, international advocacy, or education reform, the African Studies major equips them with the historical insight and analytical perspective to make lasting impact. With its global outlook, academic depth, and ethical commitment, this program fosters graduates who are not only knowledgeable about Africa, but also prepared to participate thoughtfully in building more just and interconnected societies.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
