The knowledge of culture, history, geography, language, and international relations gained from a major in Africana Studies provides a valuable foundation for a variety of careers. Graduates in Africana Studies might pursue jobs in government, foreign relations, advocacy and outreach, education, or cultural preservation. An Africana Studies major is also excellent preparation for the Peace Corps, law school, or graduate work in cultural studies, anthropology, history, public health, nonprofit administration, or public policy.
Africana Studies, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. Following are career possibilities that may most closely relate to this major. Many of the career areas and job titles below require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Education
- Research
- Advocacy
- Law
- Library science
- Historical/cultural preservation and promotion
- Media
- Geography
Sample Employers:
- U.S. and foreign consulates
- Government agencies
- Cultural centers
- Schools and universities
- Refugee organizations
- Museums
- Libraries
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Anthropologist
|
$45,000 - $67,000
|
|
Historic Preservationist
|
$25,670 - $54,530
|
|
Translator/Interpreter
|
$22,900 - $43,300
|
|
Archeologist
|
$31,300 - $54,200
|
|
Writer
|
$28,600 - $55,400
|
|
Museum Education Director
|
$18,000 - $45,790
|
|
Public Relations Specialist
|
$30,140 - $51,280
|
|
Grant Coordinator
|
$36,143 - $43,271
|
|
Secondary School Teacher
|
$34,280 - $51,108
|
|
Librarian
|
$33,600 - $54,500
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).