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.
Gain a critical understanding of diversity and other issues of growing global importance, boosting career and life skills.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
The Association of American Colleges and Universities has announced the selection of Adelphi University as one of 13 institutions to host Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Centers.
Students of African, Black and Caribbean Studies participate in internships and experiential learning opportunities in numerous fields:
To apply for this program, submit the appropriate application requirements:
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape: