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African and African American Studies, BA

Explore the African and African American Experiences

Students in a lecture Study the history and cultural legacies of Africans and African Americans, the intellectual contributions of major African and African American scholars and cultural figures, and the crucial issues confronting African and African American communities throughout the world as a student in our bachelor’s degree program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

The interdisciplinary program centers on understanding the struggles of Africans and African descendants throughout the Diaspora for greater human rights and a better quality of life. You’ll learn about the critical movements for change in African and African American history, as well as the contributions of outstanding political leaders, intellectuals and artists.

Where an African and African American Studies Degree Will Take You

The program primes you for an array of career paths. Whether your interests lie in politics, education, social work, law, history, or other fields, your degree will give you the necessary tools to become an active, knowledgeable community member who stands ready to make significant contributions in your chosen field.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States in 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$84,380 Median Salary

Postsecondary Teachers (PhD usually required)

Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 118,800 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$72,890 Median Salary

Historians (master's usually required)

Employment of historians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 300 openings for historians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$101,770 Median Salary

Sociologists (PhD usually required)

Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 300 openings for sociologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$58,380 Median Salary

Social Workers

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 63,800 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$62,860 Median Salary

Health Education Specialists

Employment of health education specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 6,600 openings for health education specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Paying for College

How to Get Involved

Group photo with everyone wearing a UM-Dearborn scarf.

You can join other UM-Dearborn students in the Black Student Union, the African Student Union, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, or more than 130 other student clubs and organizations on campus; help your friends register to vote; volunteer for a variety of community outreach activities; and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.