The B.A. with an interdepartmental major in African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) and Sociology provides students an opportunity to examine the experiences of people of African descent with an emphasis on sociological techniques and approaches.

The AAADS program investigates and examines the experiences of people of African descent in the United States and in diasporas throughout the world. As a humanistic discipline in the democratic tradition, it dispels myths and exposes those attitudes that perpetuate racism in American life.

Sociology acquaints students with basic principles, methods, and findings in sociology—the scientific study of society and of human social interaction as organized in systems of social relationships, organizations, and institutions. It seeks to explain the order, disorder, and change that characterize social life as well as their implications for individuals.

By completing the interdepartmental major in AAADS and Sociology, students acquire strategies and critical thinking skills to work with diverse populations in a variety of career fields.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue further education or careers in a wide variety of fields, including academics, theatre and drama, music composition, information technology, law, engineering, education, journalism, criminal justice, creative writing, fundraising, politics, social work, business, community organizing, nonprofits, health care, the legal profession, banking, and technology industries.

Interdepartmental major options

You can also earn one of our interdepartmental majors:

• African American and African Diaspora Studies and Religious Studies is offered in association with the Department of Religious Studies. Read the major guide.
• African American and African Diaspora Studies and English is offered in association with the Department of English. Read the major guide.
• African American and African Diaspora Studies and History is offered in association with the Department of History. Read the major guide.