African, Black and Caribbean Studies

Degrees Granted
BA, Minor
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Location
Garden City

Gain a critical understanding of diversity and other issues of growing global importance, boosting career and life skills.

Why Earn Your BA in African, Black and Caribbean Studies?

Earn a BA in African, Black and Caribbean Studies to deepen your understanding of the experiences of people of African descent while strengthening your career prospects. The BA in African, Black and Caribbean 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 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 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.

Why Major in African, Black and Caribbean Studies at Adelphi?

The BA in African, Black, and Caribbean Studies at Adelphi offers a competitive interdisciplinary program that explores the histories, cultures and contributions of African-descended communities worldwide. Students 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.

  • 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 a Degree in African, Black and Caribbean Studies?

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, dance, 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.

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

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 African, Black and Caribbean Studies 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:

Transformative Educational Opportunities

All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:

  • 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

Awards & Recognition

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Nexus Building First Floor
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