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What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours — 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.

Where will I take classes?

Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, Online (some courses)

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1
Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1
Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1

Africana Studies Pathway, Associate of Arts

What Is Africana Studies?

Africana Studies is the systematic study and exploration of people of African descent in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Africa. It is a critical examination, analysis and interpretation of the experiences, traditions and dynamics of people of African descent. Students are exposed to the historical, cultural, political, economic, social and psychological effects of people in the African-American community.

Why Pursue Africana Studies?

Africana Studies offers an interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary approach to the study of people of African descent through the lens of ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality and social structure. Through scholarly research, theoretical inquiry and policy analysis, Africana Studies is committed to the promotion of social justice, social responsibility and community engagement in order to reflect a positive social change. The curriculum promotes critical thinking, research analysis and proficiency in oral and written communication to prepare students for diverse professions in various career fields.

On pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor’s degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.

Students should consult with advisers to confirm availability of online courses and requirements or additional costs that may be associated with courses. Students should check with advisers about which campuses offer the courses they need. Typically, core courses required for pathways can be taken at most locations and online, while pathway-specific courses may require attendance at a particular location.

Pathway Details

Admission to Perimeter College

The Africa- American Studies pathway leads to an Associate of Arts degree. Completion requires 42 credit hours in Areas A-E of the core curriculum and 18 hours of Area F courses appropriate to the pathway. The Area F selections should include required classes and courses chosen from approved options. View the specific curriculum requirements in the catalog.

Goals & Outcomes

As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees. Successful completion of a pathway at Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia State University.

Description

Careers

Africana Studies can provide career opportunities in the following areas:

Management and Industry
Cultural resources manager, civil service worker, social worker, human resources worker

Communication and Media
Journalist, media relations specialist, linguist/interpreter

Education
High school teacher, administrator, professor, student affairs professional,  college or university administrator

Non-Profit/Advocacy
Peace Corps staff member, program administrator, HIV/AIDS prevention activist 

Government/Politics
Foreign service specialist, political analyst, public administration employee, state and local government employee, civil service worker, community urban planner, public affairs and policy employee

Additional Areas
Sociological research, employment counseling, law, the arts and psychology

Graduate School
The Georgia State College of Arts & Sciences offers an Africana Studies graduate degree at the master of arts level and a doctorate program in History.

Contacts

Alpharetta Campus

Adam Stone
Associate Chair of History and Political Science
770-274-5714
[email protected]

Karon Edge-Fitzpatrick
Administrative Assistant
770-274-5609
[email protected]

Clarkston Campus

George Vargis
Interim Chair & Associate History and Political Science
678-891-2402
[email protected]

Shaiman Hussain
Administrative Assistant
678-891-3368
[email protected]

Decatur Campus

Mark Flowers
Associate Chair of History and Political Science 
678-891-3401
[email protected]

Donna McLean
Administrative Assistant
678-891-2613
[email protected]

Dunwoody Campus

Crystal Garrett
Associate Chair of History and Political Science
770-274-5410
[email protected]

Charlene Bearden
Administrative Assistant
770-274-5405
[email protected]

Newton Campus

Salli Vargis
Associate Chair of History, Political Science & Africana Studies
678-891-3401
[email protected]

Lakita Williams
Administrative Assistant
770-278-1381
[email protected]

Online

Marc Zayac
Associate Chair of History and Political Science
Clarkston Campus
678-891-3289
[email protected]

Johnetta Hawkins
Administrative Assistant
Online
678-212-7541
[email protected]

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.