What Can I Do With a Major In African American Studies?

UGA Specific Information for African American Studies

African American Studies at UGA is a richly integrated interdisciplinary and multicultural course of study intended to give specific attention to the historical, cultural, intellectual, and social development of people of African descent. Because of the major’s interdisciplinary nature, courses are drawn from a wide variety of disciplines including Anthropology, Art, Economics, English, Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, African American Studies, Speech, and Theater. Because African American studies has a deep and broad focus, the course not only prepares students for understanding the black experience but also helps them understand and examine American society, as well as important continuities and commonalities across other national and racial boundaries. 

Many students in this degree program go on to pursue careers in the following areas:

  • Education
  • Human Services
  • Advocacy
  • Business and Industry
  • Communication/Writing
  • Law and Politics

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2022 Career Outcomes for African American Studies*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

To find additonal clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations.

And connect with your Career Consultant!

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

General Information and Strategies

  • African American Studies provides an interdisciplinary background that helps students develop analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills while gaining knowledge about the lives and conditions of people from African descent in Africa, the United States, Latin America, and other communities. This understanding of multiculturalism is valued by employers in industries such as education, government, and business.
  • Consider obtaining a double major or minor in another area to demonstrate specialized interests and increase your job prospects.
  • Some students may choose to study African American Studies because they enjoy the subject but wish to pursue careers requiring “any major.” In this scenario, it is critical to develop skills relevant to targeted field through internships, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer experiences.
  • African American Studies majors are excellent candidates for a number of graduate school options because of their broad liberal arts background as well as specific interests that may set them apart from other students. For those wishing to pursue graduate education, maintain a high GPA, establish relationships with faculty to secure strong recommendations, and gain experience through volunteer, work, or research opportunities. Research areas of interest for specific program requirements.
  • Find opportunities to get involved in campus organizations and activies related to multiculturalism and diversity.  Seek leadership roles on programming boards or join minority mentoring programs.

Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.

Additional Career Research Resources

O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  

My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  

Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  

Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  

Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  

UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  

Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 

Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  

Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

Employment Websites

GENERAL:

  • Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  

  • LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 

  • Idealist (non-profit jobs) 

  • USAJobs (federal jobs) 

MAJOR/CAREER SPECIFIC:

Professional Associations/Resources

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 African American Studies majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2023 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 African American Studies majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
Augusta University Medicine, MD
North Carolina Central University Law, Not Specified
* denotes no responses received.

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