Dive into the rich tapestry of African-American history, cultureand thought through our interdisciplinary minor in African-American Studies. Discover the vibrant story of Black/African life in the United States, from its origins to its contemporary expressions.
What You Can Do With This Minor
An African-American Studies minor complements any Bachelor’s degree, not just those geared to working with the African-American community. Study of a culture signals to potential employers that a graduate has received a well-rounded liberal education in addition to professional training. Most courses are writing intensive and allow for innovative research projects. This minor teaches students critical thinking skills and an interdisciplinary methodology that serve as assets to any career.
In addition, the history, literatureand culture of African-American peoples are crucial to the fabric of the American story—and that of the greater world civilization. African-American Studies enriches our understanding of humanity itself; it is, in short, food for the soul.
What to Expect
Our program offers a captivating journey through African-American cultures. Coursework spans the evolution of African-American experiences, from the arrival of the first Africans in North America to modern-day manifestations. Some courses even introduce classical African civilization and society. Elective options expand your horizons, exploring the African Diaspora in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbeanand the Middle East. Many of our courses intersect with other disciplines, especially History, Englishand Women and Gender Studies. Plus, we boast a robust lineup of courses focused on popular culture.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Value of a UIS Degree
UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).
Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).
98% of students receive aid
The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on you're application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Opportunities
Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.