African American Studies

Studies That Lead to Social Change

Housed under the History and Ethnic Studies department, African American Studies examines the truth and fiction regarding the African experience in the United States. This field of study explores the history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, economic, and political aspects of African Americans in the United States. In addition, African American Studies focus on the literary, musical, and artistic heritage of people of African descent leading to a heightening of self-awareness and cultural understanding for African American students. This strengthens connections between students and the African community that can hasten social change and enhance human dignity.

Program Awards

Our African American Studies programs are included in the Education, Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the African American studies major. A few of these require an associate degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: lawyer, high school or college teacher, researcher, government or foreign service officer, business administrator, library technician, historian, writer, publisher, anthropologist, political scientist, politician, economist, philosopher, cultural arts director, social service agency worker, business manager, consultant, counselor, and urbanologist.

The average annual salary in this field is $105,100 for occupations like Secondary School Teachers.

Typical Duties

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Coaching and Developing Others
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Assisting and Caring for Others
  Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Performing Administrative Activities
  Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.