Published:
English major Brienna (Ennie) Conner is exploring the historical significance of the “Tar Baby” story to uncover the lived experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants in early America.
African, Black and Caribbean Studies
Develop a critical understanding of the histories, cultures and social issues of African, Black and Caribbean communities and their significance in a rapidly changing global context while enhancing both your career and life skills through a bachelor’s degree or minor from Adelphi University in New York.
Why Earn Your BA in African, Black and Caribbean Studies?
Earn a bachelor’s degree in African, Black and Caribbean Studies to deepen your understanding of the experiences of people of African descent while strengthening your career prospects. This program, grounded in Africana studies, offers students the opportunity to engage with the African diaspora, providing an interdisciplinary understanding of the cultural, historical and social experiences of African-descended populations across the globe. Through this undergrad program, students explore the legacies of slavery, colonialism and migration, as well as the vibrant cultures and contributions of African-descended communities worldwide. This degree in African, Black and Caribbean Studies prepares graduates for meaningful careers in education, public policy, law, media, cultural institutions, nonprofit work and international affairs while also offering a strong foundation for graduate or professional study in Africana studies and related fields.
Why Join the African, Black and Caribbean Studies Program at Adelphi in New York?
The African, Black, and Caribbean Studies program at Adelphi offers a competitive interdisciplinary program that explores the histories, cultures and contributions of African-descended communities worldwide. Students will take classes at our beautiful Garden City campus and can focus their studies in key areas of concentration, including African History and Culture, the African Diaspora, Caribbean Studies, Race and Ethnicity Studies, Afro-Caribbean Literature, Art and Music, and Migration and Diasporic Studies. This structure equips students with the critical thinking, research and analytical skills needed to pursue careers in education, international affairs, public policy, law, media, cultural institutions, community advocacy and other fields. See details for the program concentrations:
- African History and Culture: Study the historical experiences of African nations and peoples, including the impacts of colonialism, slavery and independence movements while gaining insight into Africa’s diverse social and cultural dynamics.
- The African Diaspora: Examine the spread of African-descended populations across the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean, focusing on their cultural, political and social contributions and the ways migration has shaped identity.
- Caribbean Studies: Explore the unique historical, cultural and social experiences of Caribbean peoples, including the legacies of colonization, the transatlantic slave trade and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
- Race and Ethnicity Studies: Analyze the social construction of race and racial identity, and the systemic impacts of racism and discrimination within African-descended communities and globally.
- Afro-Caribbean Literature, Art and Music: Engage with literature, music and art created by African-descended communities to understand how cultural expression reflects social struggles, identity and resilience.
- Migration and Diasporic Studies: Investigate patterns of migration, displacement and settlement to understand how diasporic communities have navigated their histories and contributed to the modern world.
What Can You Do With an African, Black and Caribbean Studies Degree?
A degree in African, Black and Caribbean Studies prepares you for a career in education, law, public policy, international affairs, media, cultural institutions, nonprofit work or community advocacy. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study while equipping you with critical thinking, research and communication skills to engage with social and global issues.
Minor in African, Black and Caribbean Studies
A minor in African, Black and Caribbean Studies deepens your understanding of the experiences of people of African descent while strengthening your major and career opportunities. Explore topics from African history, religion and politics, the Civil Rights Movement, and Black writers to Afro-Latinx culture, law, social inequality, Black music and dance, and Black art and artists while building critical thinking, research and communication skills. Develop skills to engage thoughtfully with issues of social justice and racial equity.
Accelerated Degree Option
Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP)
Students in this program are also eligible to enter STEP, which allows you to earn a master’s degree and prepare for teacher certification with one additional year, saving you time and tuition costs.
The African, Black and Caribbean Studies Program is a key reason why I understand myself and take such great pride in my history. My professors fostered my curiosity by teaching me my true history as it relates to the arts, education, history and more. It’s empowering for everyone to understand the rich contributions of members of the African diaspora. It is because of them why I teach my middle school students with such truth and great dignity today.
Trevena Goulbourne ’14, MA '15
middle school social studies and ELA educator, Brooklyn, New York
Published:
Kyana Gordon ’24 was turned away from doing research at her high school. Now, after two years in Adelphi biology labs, she's off to conduct epidemiological research in Jamaica as a Fulbright Scholar. Meet her and three other winners of prestigious national academic awards.
Student Stories
Candice Garwood came to Adelphi from Kingston, Jamaica, and has discovered the richness of immigrant stories through her studies at Adelphi. A student in the Levermore Global Scholars program and Adelphi’s 2024–2025 Newman Civic Fellow, Garwood found inspiration within the African, Black and Caribbean Studies program.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Students of Adelphi’s African, Black and Caribbean Studies program participate in internships and experiential learning opportunities in numerous fields:
- Education
- Banking
- Advertising and publicity
- Healthcare
- Multimedia information
- Performing arts
- Political issues
- Religious organizations
- Social work
- Broadcasting
Program Info
Application Requirements
To apply for this program, submit the appropriate application requirements:
Understanding Your Costs and Ways You Can Save
Learn about the costs you can expect, and discover how scholarships, grants and financial aid packages can put an Adelphi education within reach.
Costs and savings
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All BA in African, Black, and Caribbean Studies undergraduates have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to enhance their educational experience:
- The Honors College—fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- Levermore Global Scholars—preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- Study Abroad—providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
Frequently Asked Questions about African, Black and Caribbean Studies
There is no formal disciplinary difference between African, Black and Caribbean studies and Africana studies. The fields of study operate within the broader intellectual tradition of Africana studies and share its interdisciplinary framework. The distinction in name simply reflects the opportunity for students to focus their coursework on African, Caribbean or broader Black diasporic experiences according to their interests, rather than indicating a separate field of study.
Adelphi’s African, Black and Caribbean Studies degree explores the histories, cultures and social issues of African-descended communities worldwide. Students study legacies of slavery, colonialism, migration and the vibrant cultural contributions of these communities, developing critical thinking, research and analytical skills.
No. The program welcomes all students who are interested in understanding the African diaspora, its histories, cultures and contributions, fostering cross-cultural awareness and social justice engagement.
Yes. Students can combine this major with other disciplines or pursue a minor to strengthen their academic and career opportunities while deepening their understanding of African-descended communities.
The program equips students with interdisciplinary research, writing and analytical skills that prepare them for advanced study in education, Africana studies, law, public policy, international affairs and related fields.
Classes are held on Adelphi’s Long Island campus in Garden City, New York although students may have access to hybrid or online options for select courses.
Adelphi offers an interdisciplinary approach, with concentrations in African History, Caribbean Studies, The African Diaspora, Race and Ethnicity Studies, Afro-Caribbean Literature, Art and Music, and Migration Studies. Students also benefit from internships, hands-on learning, study abroad opportunities, and programs like the Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), Honors College and Levermore Global Scholars.
Graduates pursue careers in education, law, public policy, international affairs, media, cultural institutions, nonprofit work and community advocacy. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study.
The minor deepens understanding of African-descended communities’ histories, cultures and social issues. Students explore topics like African history, Afro-Latinx culture, and Black literature, music and art while building skills in research, critical thinking and community advocacy.
Awards & Recognition
Niche
Niche.com ranks Adelphi University in the top 8% of Best Value Colleges in America, the top 10% of Best College Locations in America, and the top 18% of Best Colleges for Nursing in America.
Ranked a Top College
Forbes
For the third consecutive year, Adelphi University has been recognized as the highest-ranked private university on Long Island on Forbes’ 2026 America’s Top Colleges list.
Adelphi’s Ranking
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi earned national recognition in the 2026 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings for its strong student outcomes. The University ranked highly in social mobility and best salaries, reflecting the lifetime return on investment it provides to students.
Ranked one of the best
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for eight consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
Celebrate Our Rise
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi is recognized as a Career Development College of Distinction for the exceptional way that we equip students with skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education ranks Adelphi in the top 8 percent of four-year universities in the United States and as one of the best universities in the world.
Global Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Engaged Students
Adelphi is recognized as a College of Distinction with students who are engaged in their studies and take an active part in the learning process.
A Top Learning Environment
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
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