Why Our Minors?

ASI’s minors in Africana Studies and African Studies offer students a valuable opportunity to explore the histories, cultures, and global contributions of people of African descent. Whether complementing a major in the humanities, social sciences, STEM, or pre-professional programs, these minors deepen students’ interdisciplinary understanding and critical thinking.

Students who pursue a minor in the Africana Studies Institute gain access to engaging faculty mentors, unique study abroad opportunities in Ghana and Kenya, and a supportive academic environment. Many of our students find that minoring in Africana or African Studies strengthens their career readiness, global awareness, and ability to pursue graduate study, competitive internships, and meaningful civic engagement.

Minor in Africana Studies

The Minor requires a minimum of 15 credits, with grades of C or better in every course. Learn from nationally recognized public intellectuals, award-winning educators, and be inspired by hands-on mentors.  Our classes engender in students a sense of identity and purpose. Apprenticing many of whom are first-generation college students, our faculty have helped countless of students visualize their own professional goals, and pursue educational opportunities that result in purposeful employment, merit-based scholarships, summer research experiences, legislative internships, best paper awards, travel grants, etc.

What we offer:

• You will learn from some of UConn’s best teachers and mentors as well as trailblazers in their respective fields.
• You will enhance your critical thinking and writing, analysis and communication skills.
• There are opportunities to study abroad in Ghana and Kenya for course credit.
• Faculty pairing: 1:1 academic advising, career mentoring, and research opportunities.

Academic Program Options

UConn’s undergraduate education in Africana Studies spans many fields, with a range of courses in five areas: 1) Black History, 2) Black Diasporic and Global Perspectives, 3) Race, Society and Health, 4) Black Arts, Literature, and Culture, and 5) Black Politics and Social Justice).

Minor in Africana Studies

• A maximum of 3 credits towards the minor may be transfer credits of courses equivalent to University of Connecticut courses.
• Substitutions are not possible for required courses in a minor.

Africana Studies Minor Plan of Study 24-25. Download here..pdf