BA in Africana Studies - African American Urban Education in Northridge United States | California State University, Northridge

The Africana Studies (AFRS) program offers a 45-unit interdisciplinary major for students interested in exploring the historical, psychological, sociological, literary, cultural, and educational dimensions of African-American communities and global African diasporas. The curriculum features three specialized tracks, allowing students to focus on particular areas while preparing for graduate studies or professional careers. Through strategic General Education course selection with AFRS faculty guidance, students can pursue dual majors—for instance, combining AFRS with Urban Studies and Planning by choosing Option III alongside core urban planning requirements. Academic advisors can suggest additional interdisciplinary combinations.


As an intellectual hub, the Africana Studies Department generates and disseminates comprehensive knowledge about global Black communities through culturally responsive scholarship. Grounded in principles established in its 1969 founding charter, the department fosters understanding of African world experiences via rigorous curricula and innovative pedagogical approaches. We cultivate learning environments that critically analyze Africana histories, political systems, creative expressions, media landscapes, and value systems. Our dual objectives focus on: 1) reclaiming narratives about Black experiences historically marginalized by systemic racism, and 2) documenting and celebrating the global impact of African-descended peoples across civilizations and cultural traditions.