About the Major

About the Major

About the Major

Africana Studies is an interdisciplinary major designed to engage undergraduate students in a critical examination of past and contemporary challenges, experiences and contributions of people of African descent and their relations with other groups throughout history. Hence the program is both national and international in scope. Approved by the Rowan University Board of Trustees on February 13, 2008, the program emphasizes two major goals: (1) Discovering, mastering and creating knowledge and (2) using those understandings and skills in service to institutions and communities. In addition to the foundational or core requirements, students in the major will select a specialization in one of the following areas: African Studies, African American Studies, Afro-Latin American and Caribbean Studies, or Comparative Studies. To maximize their career path options, students will be able to take the Africana Studies Major as a single major or as a double major.

Double Majoring:

Africana Studies majors are encouraged to double major not only to specialize their degrees towards their personal goals, but also enhance their career choices. 

Law & Justice - Students gain more insight into the experiences, history and culture of people directly impacted by the broader implications of inequality within the U.S. criminal justice system. 

Health Professions - Students better understand how social determinants of health impact communities of color and how the role of structural violence and racism affect public health policy formation and implementation. 

Education - Students develop a broad knowledge base to meet the 2002 NJ Amistad Bill mandate that requires the integration of African American history into all high sc hool social studies curriculum.

The program promotes regular academic advising and consultation with the program coordinator or other faculty and staff to enable students to follow a clear sequence of courses both in general education and the major. This is especially essential for students pursuing a double major, who will need assistance in fulfilling the requirements of both majors by utilizing the flexibility provided in the current model of general education.

Major Requirements