Careers and Post-Graduate Pathways

What Can I Do with a Degree in Africana Studies?

The Africana Studies Institute at UConn fosters a dynamic community of scholars dedicated to exploring the African American experience, Africa, and the African Diaspora. Our graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a wide range of careers, thanks to the interdisciplinary skills and deep cultural insights they gain throughout their studies. Many pursue advanced degrees at top-tier graduate and professional programs, while others make an immediate impact in the workforce, dedicating time to service or embarking on fulfilling careers in diverse fields. So, what can you do with a degree in Africana Studies: Anything!

Skills Become Careers

Africana Studies fosters an array of skills in our students, allowing them to pursue positions in many professions. Each scholar that matriculates through the program leaves with competencies that can be transferred across disciplines and occupations. Our students are well prepared for life after undergrad!

In Africana studies, we foster:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Political Awareness
  • Professional Writing
  • Media Literacy
  • Oral Communication
  • Historical Analysis
  • Community Engagement
  • Time Management
  • Cultural Criticism
  • And Much Much More!

Faculty Support

Our faculty offer mentorship, support, and guidance on how to bring these abilities from the classroom into post-graduate professions. If you ever need help, just ask!

Career Paths

  • Attorney
  • Civil Rights Analyst
  • Criminal Justice Professional
  • Affirmative Action Officer
  • Educator (K-12 & Higher Ed)
  • Academic Advisor
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Social Worker
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Diversity Coordinator
  • Grassroots Organizer
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Account Manager
  • Business Manager
  • Fundraiser
  • Grant Writer
  • Human Resources Administrator
  • Historian
  • Museum Curator
  • Historical Preservation Specialist

Industries

  • Law & Public Policy
  • Criminal Justice & Civil Rights Advocacy
  • Government & Foreign Service
  • Social Work & Nonprofit Organizations
  • Education (K-12, Higher Ed, Museums)
  • Media, Journalism & Communications
  • Business & Human Resources
  • Cultural Institutions & Historical Preservation

Meet Africana Studies Alumni

Our alumni contribute to numerous sectors, including government, human services, education, public policy, marketing, scientific research, healthcare, and consulting. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or in community leadership, Africana Studies graduates are shaping the future with critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a commitment to social justice.

“In the Africana Studies Institute, I was able to sharpen my critical thinking skills about the world around me. ASI deepened my love for education, while also giving me a network of colleagues, staff, and professors that I can still reach out to when needed.”

— Taylin Santiago-Williams '23 (CLAS), Africana Studies major

 

Alicia Pittman '14 (CLAS)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and Human Development & Family Studies
Alicia Pittman is a native of Waterbury, CT. She is currently an Administrative Associate for a privately owned group home agency. She is also a self-employed photographer. She serves as a general board member of the Waterbury Black Business Network and a founding member of the Waterbury Black Giving Circle and North End Cooperative Market. 

Tony Omega '09 (CLAS)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Africana Studies

Tony Omega is a native of Norwalk, CT. He currently serves as the Lead Academic Advisor at UConn’s Waterbury campus, where he supports student success through academic planning and mentorship. Tony has also previously served as the Interim Director of Student Services, bringing a strong commitment to student advocacy and holistic support in higher education.

Malachi Bridges '21 (CLAS)

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and Political Science. |

Malachi Bridges is a native of New Haven, CT. He is currently enrolled at the University of Connecticut School of Law. While Malachi was an undergraduate at UConn, he conducted extensive research on housing, law, and policy, earning UConn’s SURF Grant for his Honors Thesis, "Black & the American Dream." He currently serves as the Economic Development Officer for the City of New Haven, where he works to address displacement and promote equitable urban development.

Ashanti Bolling '24 (CLAS)

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and double minor in Africana Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexualities Studies.

Ashanti Bolling is a native of Jamaica, NY. At the University of Connecticut, she served as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and held multiple leadership roles in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and in other organizations on campus. Upon graduation, she worked as a Trial Preparation Assistant, Level II at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. In Fall 2025, she will attend the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.

Plan Your Career

To prepare for graduate school and make the most of your experience at UConn, there are several valuable steps you can take:

  • Connect with Professors: Attend office hours and reach out about shared research interests. Building relationships early can lead to opportunities. (Examples: Dr. Evelyn Simien, Dr. Fiona Vernal, and Marketa Burnette)

  • Get Involved in Research: Assist professors or conduct independent research. Attend seminars and conferences to strengthen research skills. For more information, check out the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)

  • Internships: Pursue internships with museums, cultural organizations, and nonprofits focused on African American or African diaspora issues. Here are some resources.

  • Join Student Groups: Engage with Africana-focused student organizations for networking and academic events. Some examples: UConn Black Pre Law Association, West Indian Students Organization, African Students Association, Haitian Students Association, and Black Students Association.

    Undergraduate Experience

    • International travel opportunities to African countries such as Ghana and Kenya
    • Interdisciplinary coursework in history, sociology, political science, literature, and cultural studies
    • Research opportunities in racial justice, African and African diaspora studies, and social movements
    • Internships and community engagement experiences

    Graduate & Professional School Pathways

    Africana Studies prepares students for advanced degrees in:

    • Law & Public Policy (JD, MPP, MPA)
    • Education & Academia (MEd, PhD, EdD)
    • Health & Social Services (MD, MPH, MSW)
    • Business & International Affairs (MBA, MA, MS)

    Job Resources

    Center for Career Development

    UConn's Center for Career Development partners with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) to prepare students for success in today’s workforce. The Center offers:

    • One-on-one coaching sessions for help with résumés, interviewing, jobs and internships, graduate school applications, and more.
    • Online tools for connecting with alumni mentors as well as companies looking to recruit UConn students.
    • In-person and virtual events that help students explore their career options and prepare for professional success.

    Contact Us

    For questions about the major, please contact:

    Dr. Fiona Vernal

    Associate Director of Africana Studies

    Fiona.Vernal@uconn.edu

    Elaine Chu

    Undergraduate Academic Advisor

    Elaine.Chu@uconn.edu