African American Studies

Overview

The Department of African American Studies is an interdisciplinary department with a mission of teaching and conducting research in social sciences and humanities fields on the historical and contemporary experience of Africans and African Americans. The Department offers courses based in interdisciplinary approaches to the study of history, culture, language, political systems and behaviors of peoples of African ancestry in the United States, the Caribbean, Africa and throughout the African Diaspora. Two traditions encompass the Department’s academic thrust - - African American and African. The academic offerings center their attention on three areas of cluster studies: historical studies, cultural studies, and social and behavioral studies.

Department Website

Department of African American Studies

Job Titles

Academic Advisor* Legislator*
Account Manager Management Consultant
Admissions Counselor Mental Health Worker
Advocate Museum Curator*
Affirmative Action Officer Operations Coordinator
Case Manager Paralegal
Civil Rights Analyst* Policy Analyst*
Community Outreach Coordinator Professor*
Diversity Coordinator Public Affairs Manager
Editorial Assistant Public Health Analyst*
Event Planner Real Estate Agent*
Foreign Service Officer* Recruiter
Fundraiser Research Assistant
Grant Writer Social Worker*
Grassroots Organizer Study Abroad Advisor*
Guidance Counselor* Teacher*
Human Resources Administrator Volunteer Coordinator
Lawyer* Youth Service Specialist

Positions that require additional education or training are indicated by a (*).
Job qualifications are based not only on degree program, but on skills and experience. Students should seek out as many experiential opportunities in their fields of interest as possible, including Co-op and internships.

Employers

Advocacy Groups Management Consulting Firms
Arts Organizations Mental Health Organizations
Child Welfare Groups Museums
Colleges and Universities Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Crisis Centers Public and Private Schools
Financial Services Organizations Publishing Companies
Grassroots Organizations Real Estate Agencies
Hospitals Research Organizations
Law Firms Human Services Agencies
Government agencies, including:
FBI, CIA, State Department,
Health and Human Services,
Department of Labor,
Environmental Protection Agency, IRS

Internships

These sample titles can be used to research internship opportunities in the field:

  • Research Intern
  • Mental Health Worker
  • Legislative Intern
  • Development Intern

To search for internship opportunities, log in to HuskyCareerLink, Career Services’ online job and internship database for opportunities with employers seeking to hire NU students

Co-ops

For more information, please visit the department’s website.

Students enrolled in the College of Professional Studies may click here for co-op and internship information.

Careers

The following resources include various websites and campus resources that will aid you in exploring this career field and industry.

Career & Job Websites

Campus Organizations & Activities

*For additional student organizations click here.
*For additional student activities click here.

 Professional Associations

Find valuable industry information, job sites, and professionals in the field you may contact for informational interview requests and networking opportunities.

 Social Media

Sample LinkedIn.com Groups providing resources such as industry trends, company information, job listings, and networking opportunities within the field: