A degree in AFAM studies

Students earning a degree in African American (AFAM) studies will receive a foundation of critical thinking, research, writing and analytical skills. Career options are limitless with a liberal arts foundation, and many AFAM majors continue on to graduate studies in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, law, medicine, business and journalism.

Why study African American studies?

Career Outlook

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Experience Campus

Another Chance Program

Meet AFS major Lloyd Simpson

Simpson became an AFS major because of his interest in black studies and desire to create change and gain experience. He is most interested in protest, leftist and Marxism movements, such as the Black Panther Party, League of Revolutionary and Old Left.

Advisor Spotlight: Meet comm sci/African American studies/urban studies advisor Faith Doyle

Advisor Faith Doyle overlooks two departments within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Doyle has a B.A. in Education and says that her major taught her skills that she needed to connect with students and to help guide them through their academic career.

Student Spotlight: Sydney Carroll

Honors senior Sydney Carroll works with Professor and Department Chair Ollie Johnson on compiling a history of the Department of African American Studies since its inception 35 years ago via a student-led protest and study-in.

Melba Boyd: A thought leader in African American literature and cinema

Melba Joyce Boyd, distinguished professor in African American studies, is an award-winning author of 13 books, nine of which are poetry. Boyd's poetry, essays, and creative nonfiction have appeared in anthologies, academic journals, cultural periodicals and newspapers in the United States and Europe.

Meet AFS major Ayanna Johnson

I plan to utilize my African American studies degree by applying my understanding of the world from an inclusive perspective to all of my interests. I plan to learn the languages of Africans around the world and gather global evidence of our interconnectedness.

More spotlights

News

Fulbright Scholar Award takes Professor Daphne Ntiri to University of Namibia

A group of graduates walk during the traditional commencement march, a few proudly displaying 'First Generation' stolls on their graduation regalia.

Wayne State celebrates first-generation students, social mobility

Conversations, Engagements and Responses to James Baldwin’s Centennial

Detroiter, interactive artist hails the Black quilting tradition ahead of Juneteenth workshop at WSU

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Events

Nov.

22

CLAS Undergraduate Research Symposium on Nov. 22, 2024 at 2 p.m. 2 p.m.
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Crockett-Lumumba Scholars program