A minor in Africana Studies can have a profound impact on your life and career, no
matter your background or discipline. To help you get this college experience, UCM
offers means to finance your education, including loans, grants, work-study opportunities
and scholarships.
What you will study
Gain an understanding of African and African-descended peoples and their impact on
society — both historical and current. Beyond the core curriculum, you can choose
to focus your Africana studies in literary, geographical, political and historical
development or gender, culture and social issues. The interdisciplinary nature of
this minor allows you to choose from a wide variety of courses, such as:
- The African-American in American History
- History and Development of Jazz
- Race and Ethnic Politics in the United States
- Social Inequality
- African-American Women, Gender and Girlhood
Our faculty also offer classes on special topics particularly relevant today. Previous
subjects have included African history, the Tulsa Race Massacre and Chadwick Boseman.
No matter the course, you’ll enjoy small class sizes that promote interaction and
discussion with your peers and faculty.
Earn credit for previous experience and study abroad
Depending on when you begin your Africana studies, you can complete this minor in
one to four semesters. If you’ve already taken courses that apply or have studied
abroad in an applicable area, you can finish your minor quicker. The program coordinator
will look at your transcripts to see how your achievements can be applied to UCM’s
Africana Studies minor.
Excellence in Africana Studies
- UCM's Africana Studies program — founded in 2002 — aligns with the standards set by
the National Council for Black Studies, demonstrating academic excellence and social
responsibility and ensuring that you receive a high-quality, meaningful education.
Unique learning opportunities in Africana studies
Immerse yourself in social justice causes, hear enlightening presentations on campus
from national and regional speakers and travel to conferences as part of your Africana
Studies minor education. At the University of Central Missouri, you'll have real-world
learning opportunities when you:
- Participate in campus events: Over the years, we’ve hosted many luminaries to speak in classes and present as part
of UCM’s Felice Hill Gaines Lecture in Africana Studies. This event is named in honor
of the first African-American professional hired by UCM in 1966.
- Study abroad with Africana studies: Take your learning to Jamaica or Ghana, where you’ll participate in service-learning
projects and fully engage in the culture for an immersive education and experience.
UCM has a partnership with Webster University to create a seamless opportunity for
students to engage globally.
- Enjoy highly engaged cultural learning: UCM’s proximity to Kansas City enables engaged learning opportunities through visits
to the Black Archives of Mid-America, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Negro Leagues
Baseball Museum and the 18th & Vine historic district.
What can you do with a minor in Africana Studies from UCM?
Over 70% of UCM’s Africana Studies program graduates continue their education to complete
a master’s degree or other graduate program. Our alumni have been accepted by prestigious
schools such as Vanderbilt and Washington University.
Whether you choose this path or go right into your career following graduation, you’ll
take the tenets of Africana Studies and a passion for inclusivity with you.
Like students who have come before you, you’ll use your education to enhance your
primary area of study and chart your own career path in fields such as:
- Civil services
- Cultural resources management
- Social work
- Human resources
- Public relations and strategic communication
- Advocacy
- Education
For example, early in his teaching career, Dr. Adrian Singletary — a UCM graduate
who is now a school principal — got involved in the historic preservation of schools,
specifically those of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Through your Africana studies, you can
make a real difference no matter where your future takes you.
Get expert help from UCM Africana Studies faculty for any endeavor
Be confident in the encouragement and strong mentorship you’ll receive from UCM faculty.
They’ll work with you to prepare for your next step and write recommendation letters
to help you get into the graduate program or job you want.
Use the interactive tool below to learn what career possibilities await you with your
Africana Studies minor from UCM.
Financial assistance options for your Africana Studies minor
A minor in Africana Studies can have a profound impact on your life and career, no
matter your background or discipline. To help you get this college experience, UCM
offers means to finance your education, including loans, grants, work-study opportunities and scholarships.
Scholarship available for Africana Studies students
Africana Studies minors are eligible to apply for the Blanche Kelso Bruce/Rob Madden
Scholarship in Africana Studies, which was originally made possible by the late UCM
alumnus, Madden, and recently renamed in his honor.
You may also qualify for additional scholarships based on your undergraduate degree
or if you choose to study abroad. Use the to search for opportunities.
Meet Arissa C.
BS Health Studies, Africana Studies Minor ’17
While at UCM, Arissa studied abroad in Jamaica and won prizes at the Calabash Literary
Festival. She served as president of the Africana Studies Leadership Council. After
graduating from UCM, she completed her master’s degree from Washington University
in St. Louis.
Meet Donyae W.
UCM’s first individualized major in Africana Studies
In 2022, Donyae became the first student to declare an individualized major in Africana
Studies. Before entering UCM, she completed an internship in contemporary art and
culture in Ghana. She also became the first recipient of the Blanche Kelso Bruce/Robb
Madden Scholarship in Africana Studies, recently renamed to honor the late UCM alumnus,
Madden.
Get Support for Your Next Goal
A stepping stone to great things
When you choose UCM’s Africana Studies program, you’ll have support as you pursue
grad school or your career. Mentorship can help you gain acceptance to recognized
programs such as the McNair Scholars Program, the Sue Shear Leadership Academy, City
Year and the Big XII Conference on Black Student Government, among others. You’ll
always be a part of the Africana Studies community at UCM.
Study Abroad for Course Credit
Engaged learning in Jamaica and Ghana
Join UCM students on Jamaica’s rural south coast, where you’ll take part in service-learning
projects and experience the culture firsthand. You can also study in Ghana — this
minor is one of only three programs that offers travel to the African continent. This
opportunity will not only expand your perspective but also enhance your resume.
Study Abroad Information
A Rich Tradition in Africana Studies
Two decades in inspiring social and political change
The Africana Studies minor program has proudly been in service 20 years, as of the
year 2023. Over this time, we’ve helped develop students to not only understand and
research the worldwide experiences of people of African descent but to also teach
others. Join us in making a real difference at UCM and beyond.
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