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African & African American Studies

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Pursue African and African American Studies at Fordham

About the African & African American studies major

At Fordham, you’ll join one of the country’s first academic departments devoted to the depth, breadth, and impact of the African diaspora in and beyond the U.S.

Here, in the heart of New York City, you’ll go beyond history, art, and culture to explore economic and societal issues. Dive into citizenship, migration, and civil rights movements. Explore African languages like Swahili. Study abroad or join our groundbreaking Bronx African American History Project to document New Yorkers’ untold stories. And use your knowledge to challenge inequities, pursue racial justice, and drive meaningful change.

Our graduates go on to …

  • prestigious graduate programs
  • teaching and public service
  • careers in law, urban affairs, public history, journalism, and more

Visit the African & African American Studies Department page

Students approach a lecturer for a post-talk discussion

African & African American studies major profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMajor
    Rose Hill
  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMajor
    Lincoln Center
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Program at a glance

100%

of African & African American studies graduates in the past five years were employed, continuing their education, or engaged in public service or other meaningful endeavors within six months of graduation

54%

of African & African American studies graduates in the past five years have pursued advanced degrees

Bronx African-American History Project

documents the histories of more than 500,000 Bronx residents of African descent, in cooperation with the Bronx County Historical Society

50%

of Fordham undergraduates study abroad in more than 50 countries across six continents

French, Swahili, and Arabic

languages African & African American studies majors can study as part of the program, with an emphasis on those relevant to Africa and its diaspora

Annual Student-Led Symposium

built on course-related research projects

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Making an impact

Members of the BAAHP staff visiting the Bronx Music Store Casa Amadeo

The Powerful Stories of the Bronx                    

Fordham’s oral history project is bringing the Bronx’s one-of-a-kind history and culture to the rest of the world. Discover why there’s no better place to explore African American history.

Morgan Gregory explains her research

Researching African Identity                    

Morgan Gregory, a double major in dance and African & African American studies, directed a documentary that reflects her identity as an artist and Black woman. Learn more about her work and other students’ innovative research.

Maribel Gonzalez, the owner of the South of France restaurant, sharing her experiences during the pandemic.

Pandemic Stories from the Bronx                    

Researchers from the Bronx African American History project set out to tell more stories about the community’s resilience, particularly during challenging times, like COVID-19.

Marjuan Canady

Getting More Power in the Room                    

Marjuan Canady leveraged her dual degree in theatre and African & African American studies to become a Tony-nominated producer. Explore her journey to Broadway.

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African & African American Studies Program FAQ

  • Here, you’ll learn by doing. With hands-on opportunities in the city where the Harlem Renaissance took hold, you’ll gain the skills and experiences employers seek. You’ll have access to resources and internships at places like the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. And in addition to the big city energy of New York, you’ll have a tight-knit, supportive campus community, eager for you to thrive.

  • Beyond the foundational courses in African and African American history and culture, you might dive into specific areas like Racial and Ethnic Politics, where you’ll examine how political identities are shaped in the U.S., or The Black Athlete, where you’ll explore currents of cultural change in professional sports.

  • The department sponsors a wide range of symposia, conferences, and community and cultural events. You’ll be able to participate in the Bronx African American History Project, which is dedicated to preserving the stories of more than 500,000 people of African descent in the Bronx.

    Plus, our location in the heart of New York City means you’ll have the opportunity to intern with top organizations and partner institutions like the Apollo Theatre and New-York Historical through our Serving the City program.

  • You’ll be prepared for careers in a wide range of fields including education, public service, historical preservation, and urban affairs. You’ll also be uniquely qualified to pursue advanced study in areas like history, law, and anthropology.

    Plus, you can connect with alumni through the Fordham Mentoring Program to receive one-on-one guidance and advice for your career.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As an African & African American studies major, you might use AI for transcribing and preserving oral histories or conduct research into the role of racial bias in AI.

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and emotional intelligence.

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