African studies programs teach people about the cultures of Africa. Students learn history, politics, and how people live. They also learn how Africans came to live in other nations. Most programs focus on the cultures south of the Sahara.

It is standard for many people to hear the word "Africa" and think of it as one country, with competing images that range from tribes of people living in dusty, parched deserts (Libya) to countries filled with treasure and riches (Congo). It's true that many African countries are stricken with famine and starvation, and it's also true that many African countries are rich in natural resources. However, it is important to note that there are about 50 countries on the African continent. They are diverse in language, culture, and people, from poorer, developing countries to modern, affluent nations.

In African studies programs, you learn about all aspects of African culture and life. You study history, politics, and economics, and how they differ from country to country, region to region. You study historical conflicts, such as European and American colonialism, and current issues such as literacy and the civil war in Congo. You read original literature and folklore (think Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart") as well as view and critique African films. In most programs, you also learn at least one African language, such as Swahili, Hausa, Arabic, Bambara, or Twi. In addition, you also study how different African countries relate to countries in North America and Europe.

About 75 colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in African studies. Most two-year colleges offer the first two years of study. Students can often transfer these credits to a four-year school.

Many bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in African studies draw on courses from departments of interdisciplinary studies, liberal studies, and humanities. In addition, most programs encourage you to double major in another field, such as business, social science, or journalism.

Master's degrees typically take five or six years of full-time study after high school. Doctoral degree programs typically take three to five years after the master's degree.

Majors in African studies may lead to careers in the arts, business, media and journalism, research, teaching, or hospitality and tourism. Such careers include broadcasting, sales, musicology, advertising, public relations, arts criticism, and social commentary. The most common career paths are business, teaching, and journalism.

Students in this major may be able to choose concentrations such as:

• Customs and Culture
• Dance and Music
• Economics
• Folklore and Myth
• History
• Languages
• Literature
• Politics
• Religion