African American Studies, B.A.

African American studies describe the systematic investigation into the vast range of racial, ethnic, cultural and political perspectives, experiences and beliefs of people of African heritage around the globe, with a particular focus on the African diaspora in the United States. Students emerge from Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Arts of African American Studies program with a rigorous understanding of the histories, philosophies, culture and literature emergent from the African diaspora, thus enabling them to embark on careers in education, law, politics, business and the arts. 

African American studies offer SLU students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the vast diversity of the society in which they live. Students will become knowledgeable about the African diaspora and be prepared to seek careers or professional programs where they can utilize knowledge to design and implement programs for African Americans and other diasporic communities.

Our students, staff and faculty come from a range of backgrounds, experiences and fields of study. Collectively, our mission is to combine rigorous study, creativity and research in producing and exchanging knowledge concerning the African diaspora.

We aim to foster a community of thinkers, scholars, activists and artists whose work enriches understanding of how African Americans and other African diasporic communities have mutually shaped the social worlds they inhabit.

SLU's African American studies major is open to all students pursuing an undergraduate degree, regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin.

Curriculum Overview

A total of 30 credits are required to complete SLU's major in African American studies. Students complete five core courses designed to introduce them to the goals of the Department of African American Studies and to help them further develop an understanding of the African diaspora and its impact, interrelationships and dynamics in contemporary African American communities.

African American studies courses at Saint Louis University intersect with various academic majors. Courses that make up the core of the African American studies degree are taught within our department. The department also offers cross-listed courses with other academic departments, and when taken for African American studies, requirements may also fulfill the University Undergraduate Core requirements. The variety of courses across academic disciplines enables students to develop new ways of conceptualizing issues related to race, identity and culture in their scholarly pursuits.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

SLU's Department of African American Studies also offers unique academic opportunities, such as internships and field service projects in African American communities, for students seeking challenges outside the classroom. Students should consult the department chair for more information on this aspect of our program.

Careers

Majoring in African American studies allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the pluralistic society they live in. 

Career options include:

• Advertising agent
• Business manager
• City planner
• Community relations specialist
• Copy editor
• Creative writer
• Educator/professor
• Health administrator
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Linguist
• Museum curator
• Paralegal
• Policy analyst
• Psychologist
• Sociologist
• University administrator

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Note: Many undergraduate courses at SLU fulfill requirements of multiple programs simultaneously. For details, click here. 

 African American studies students must complete a minimum total of 30 credits for the major.

Continuation Standards

Students with a major in African American studies must maintain a 2.00 GPA in courses for the African American studies major.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

For additional information about this program, please contact AFAMStudies@SLU.edu or call 314-977-2242.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

• African American Studies, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)