Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the interdisciplinary study of people of African descent that engages the community, promotes social justice, and offers a curriculum that reflects the highest aspirations of education in an evolving society.

Prepares students for professional life and social responsibility with an emphasis on critical engagement, communication skills, research and social justice. The department offers a master’s degree with competitive funding with two primary areas of emphasis: Community Empowerment, and Culture and Aesthetics.

Allows master’s and doctoral students in other disciplines to enhance their own studies and academic profile with the critical perspectives offered by Africana Studies.