2026 What Prerequisites Do You Need for an African and African American Studies Degree? Entry Requirements, Credits & Eligibility Rules

Most African and African American studies programs do not mandate specific high school prerequisites, but requirements can vary depending on the institution and type of program.

Typical high school subjects that support entry into these programs include:

• History: Understanding historical contexts is essential for engaging with African diasporic narratives and analyzing the systemic forces shaping African American experiences.
• English or Literature: Proficiency in reading, writing, and critical thinking supports studying primary texts, scholarly articles, and diverse cultural expressions.
• Social Studies or Government: Familiarity with political systems and social structures aids comprehension of civil rights, social justice, and policy-related coursework.
• Foreign Languages: Language study, especially in African or Caribbean languages, can be encouraged to offer a multilingual perspective important to cultural studies.

Students interested in understanding entry requirements for African and African American studies programs should also consider that nearly 65% of ethnic studies enrollees had completed advanced humanities courses in high school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Those preparing for university admissions could also explore year long masters programs if considering advanced degrees in related fields after completing their undergraduate study.

Prospective students should be aware of college-level prerequisites to ensure academic readiness and a smooth progression in African and African American studies programs. These prerequisite courses build a foundation to handle the interdisciplinary and analytical nature of the major.

Below are some commonly required or recommended courses for students pursuing an African and African American Studies degree program.

• Introductory African and African American Studies: Provides essential historical, cultural, and social context, which is the cornerstone for more advanced coursework in the discipline.
• College-level Writing and Research: Strengthens critical writing and analytical skills needed for producing clear academic work and engaging with complex texts.
• Statistics or Quantitative Reasoning: Supports understanding of demographic data, social trends, and empirical research methods often used in the field.
• Humanities or Social Sciences General Education: Ensures broad critical thinking skills and foundational knowledge beneficial for interdisciplinary study.

Enrollment in ethnic studies programs, including African and African American studies, increased by over 15% from 2017 to 2022, reflecting rising interest and academic rigor in the field.

For those exploring options, it is helpful to consider which bachelor degree is easy when planning your coursework load alongside these prerequisites.

Transfer credit limits for african and african american studies degrees generally fall between 30 and 60 semester credits, although this varies significantly by institution and program.

Many colleges permit students to transfer up to half of the total credits required for graduation, but some have stricter caps, allowing fewer than 30. Transferability depends heavily on the accreditation of the previous institution, the academic level of courses taken, and how closely those credits relate to the program's core or elective requirements.

Typically, students must have earned a grade of C or better in transferable courses, and many programs enforce residency rules requiring completion of a set minimum of credits-often 30 to 45-directly at the awarding institution.

Common limitations include the necessity of submitting official transcripts, excluding remedial or pass/fail credits, and disallowing courses completed more than a decade earlier.

Some degree programs restrict transfer options for foundational subjects, preferring students complete those classes on campus to maintain consistent academic quality.

A student from an African and African-American studies program shared her experience navigating these policies: "I was surprised at how detailed the review process was. They carefully checked not just the grades but the course content to ensure it matched the curriculum. It felt overwhelming at first because I had credits from multiple schools."

She added that although transferring credits was complex, understanding the requirements upfront helped her plan effectively and ultimately saved time in completing her degree.

Breakdown of All 2-Year Online Title IV Institutions

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

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Most African and African-American studies degree programs do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, reflecting the widespread adoption of test-optional and test-blind policies. These shifts aim to promote equity, as standardized tests often reflect socioeconomic disparities rather than true academic ability.

However, some competitive programs and certain public universities might still request test scores, especially when awarding merit-based scholarships or selecting candidates for honors tracks.

Instead of relying on test results, many programs prioritize other admission factors such as a strong high school GPA and relevant coursework in history or social sciences.

Personal essays that highlight cultural insight or commitment to the field are also important, along with portfolios or writing samples in some cases to evaluate critical thinking and engagement with Afrocentric topics.

Admissions committees tend to use holistic reviews to identify applicants demonstrating academic readiness and genuine interest beyond standardized testing.

Success in an African and African American studies degree program relies heavily on mastering a set of core skills. These abilities enable students to deeply engage with complex historical texts, cultural contexts, and interdisciplinary social issues central to the field.

The following list highlights the key skills essential for academic achievement and meaningful participation in this program.

• Foundational academic skills: Strong reading comprehension and critical writing are essential for analyzing diverse sources and articulating sophisticated arguments.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities: Students must evaluate historical contexts and systemic inequalities with sharp critical thinking and nuanced interpretation.
• Effective communication: Both written and oral skills support active discussions, presentations, and collaborative research projects throughout the curriculum.
• Technical research competencies: Familiarity with digital archives, research databases, and scholarly tools is crucial for conducting thorough investigations.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity: Understanding social justice issues and diverse cultural narratives helps students engage respectfully and insightfully with the subject matter.

When I spoke with a graduate of an African and African American studies program about the skills needed before enrollment, he recalled the initial difficulty of balancing dense reading assignments with developing his own analytical voice.

He mentioned, "It wasn't just reading a lot—it was about engaging critically and making connections across history and current events."

Preparing technically was another hurdle, as he had to quickly learn to navigate research databases and digital tools, which initially felt overwhelming. He emphasized the importance of emotional readiness, noting how essential it was to approach sensitive topics with openness and respect.

"It was challenging but also incredibly rewarding once I got into the rhythm of thinking critically while honoring the lived experiences behind the texts," he said, highlighting how the right skills fostered both academic success and personal growth.

Professional experience is generally not required to enroll in an African and African American studies degree program, but this varies depending on the institution, level of study, and specialization.

Undergraduate programs usually prioritize academic records like high school grades, test scores, and writing samples over work experience. Some graduate or specialized tracks, such as those focused on community engagement or social justice, may encourage or prefer candidates with relevant internships, volunteer work, or jobs related to civil rights organizations or cultural initiatives.

While experience is often optional, having a background in these areas can make an application more competitive and demonstrate commitment.

Certain programs place high value on professional experience, as it reflects practical understanding and preparedness for interdisciplinary study. Admissions committees may see it as a strong asset in competitive master's and doctoral programs, where hands-on knowledge enriches critical analysis of complex social issues.

However, many candidates without prior experience are accepted based on strong academic credentials alone, especially in programs designed to build foundational knowledge first. This flexible approach allows diverse applicants to enter the field regardless of their experiential background, aligning with varied institutional priorities.

Online African and African-American studies degree programs require certain technology standards to ensure students can fully engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and submit assignments on time.

Common tech prerequisites for African and African American studies programs include:

• Hardware: Students need a reliable computer with at least a dual-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and sufficient storage. Support for both Windows and Mac systems ensures flexibility in connecting to course platforms.
• Internet speed: A stable broadband connection with download speeds of at least 5 Mbps is recommended. This allows for uninterrupted streaming of video lectures, participation in live discussions, and efficient access to research databases.
• Software and platforms: Programs typically use learning management systems (LMS) such as Blackboard or Canvas. Students should also be comfortable using document creation tools like Microsoft Office or Google Docs, along with digital libraries and video conferencing software, to fully engage with the coursework.
• Digital literacy: Proficiency in navigating LMS interfaces, submitting assignments online, joining webinars, and utilizing academic research tools is essential. These skills facilitate active participation and success in African and African American studies programs.

Prospective students interested in the most affordable options may consider exploring the cheapest doctorate degree online to combine quality with cost-effectiveness.

International students applying to African and African American studies programs often face additional prerequisites to ensure they meet academic standards and cultural readiness.

Below is a common set of prerequisites for international applicants to these programs.

• Academic transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts that demonstrate completion of secondary education or its equivalent, showing proficiency in core subjects relevant to African and African American studies.
• English proficiency: Since many programs in the U.S., including in states like Alabama or Georgia, deliver instruction in English, international students often need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet minimum thresholds.
• Statement of purpose: This essay should clearly articulate the student's interest in African and African American studies, outlining academic goals and how the program aligns with their career aspirations.
• Letters of recommendation: Programs typically require two or more letters from educators or professionals who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities and potential for graduate-level work.
• Standardized test scores (optional): Some institutions might request GRE scores, although this is becoming less common as universities emphasize holistic review in admissions.

Meeting these prerequisites increases eligibility for enrollment in a program that often requires students to complete at least 120 credit hours as part of their undergraduate or graduate degree.

For those researching educational opportunities and program specifics, the short degrees that pay well resource offers guidance on balancing study with professional commitments.

Planning academic timelines and ensuring eligibility for African and African American studies degrees requires recognizing the distinctions between standard university admission rules and program-specific prerequisites for African American Studies degrees.

These differences shape the preparation needed to meet entry expectations and succeed in the chosen field.

Differences Between University Admission Requirements and Program-Specific Prerequisites

• University Admission Basics: Most universities set minimum GPA thresholds, commonly between 2.5 and 3.0, require proof of English proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, and expect completion of general education courses covering subjects like math, science, or humanities.
• Program-Specific Focus: African and African American studies programs often emphasize prior coursework in social sciences disciplines like history, sociology, or cultural studies, valuing critical thinking and analysis over STEM courses such as calculus or biology.

How Program-Level Prerequisites Affect Eligibility and Preparation

• Writing and Community Engagement: Some programs mandate submission of personal statements or portfolios illustrating interest or experience in African and African American cultural issues, which may require additional time and effort before enrollment.
• Professional Experience Substitution: Graduate programs sometimes accept relevant nonprofit or cultural organization experience in lieu of formal prerequisites, offering alternate eligibility pathways.
• Reduced Emphasis on STEM Scores: Unlike many STEM fields, standardized testing in math or science seldom plays a major role in eligibility, making the program accessible for students with stronger social sciences backgrounds despite lower STEM grades.

Recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows enrollment in African and African American studies has increased roughly 15% from 2018 to 2023. This growth reflects institutions increasingly tailoring their prerequisites to broaden access while maintaining academic rigor.

Applicants researching different options may also want to consider the cheapest online college for bachelor's degree programs, which can offer flexible and affordable pathways into these fields.

Students generally need to pay for prerequisite courses before applying to an African and African American studies program. These courses often incur tuition and fees whether they are completed at the same university, a community college, or through accredited online providers.

Community colleges usually offer lower tuition rates, often between $100 and $300 per credit hour, making them a more cost-effective choice than four-year institutions.

Online course prices can vary significantly based on the platform and accreditation, but most students are responsible for paying these expenses upfront, as prerequisites must typically be finished before program admission.

To offset these costs, students frequently pursue financial assistance such as Pell Grants or federal student loans. Scholarships specifically aimed at African and African American studies or allied disciplines also help reduce expenses. Another common approach is transferring credits from previously completed courses at accredited schools.

Additionally, enrolling in affordable community college classes prior to transfer is a practical method to manage prerequisite course costs while progressing toward degree requirements.

• Foreign Study https://aaas.dartmouth.edu/foreign-study
• African and African-American Studies Major (BA, BS) https://www.brockport.edu/live/profiles/african-and-african-american-studies-major
• AAAS - African American and Africana Studies https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/undergraduate/approved-courses/aaas/
• African and African American Studies, B.A. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/liberal-arts/african-african-american-studies-ba/
• Bachelor of Arts inAfricana Studies https://www.albany.edu/africana/programs/ba-africana-studies
• African and African American Studies Major https://bulletin.fordham.edu/undergraduate/african-african-american-studies/major/
• AFAM Major and Minor & African Studies Minor Learning Outcome https://www.fordham.edu/academics/departments/african--african-american-studies/curriculum/learning-goals/