Thinking about post-graduation plans? Curious about future job opportunities specifically in African American Studies? Would you like to be prepared for success in a diverse and global arena? 

Our graduates have been accepted at the following graduate and law schools: Harvard, Stanford, University of Minnesota, New York University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California at Los Angeles, California State University, University of Maryland, Howard University, George Washington University, Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Duke University, Syracuse’s Maxwell School, Johns Hopkins’ School of Public Policy, and the University of Virginia.

With a nationally and internationally renowned faculty conducting cutting edge research on a range of issues relevant to Black communities in the US and globally, you are assured a stimulating, challenging and enriched undergraduate education that will provide you the needed skills to compete for jobs in ever changing global economy. In this academic program, students have opportunities to learn about the criminal justice system, social policy in Black communities, the African Diaspora, historical and contemporary events (ex. slave trade and the Civil Rights movement), and the interactions of race and gender on family and community health. 

Sample of Possible Occupations for African American Studies Majors:

 

FBI/CIA Agent

Lobbyist

Archivist/Librarian

Foreign Service Officer

Market Research Specialist

Attorney

Government Agency Administrator

Multicultural Educator

Community Advocate/Action Specialist

Historic Preservation Specialist

Museum Curator

Conflict Management Specialist

Historic Site Administrator

Non-Profit Administrator

Consumer Advocate

Human Resources Specialist

Public Relations Specialist

Corporate Trainer

Human Relations Officer

Educational Consultant

International Relations Specialist

Psychologist

Employee Relations Specialist

International Consultant

Public Administrator

Historic Site Administrator

Journalist-Foreign Bureau

Public Information Officer

 

 

 

See other related work titles & work areas on the Feller Center: Advising and Career Planning:

Related Titles and Work Areas

Considering Graduate School? See the track provided by the Feller Center: Advising and Career Planning:

Start researching your career path of interest to identify the educational requirements. The list below offers a brief overview of some of the more popular graduate degree programs and institutions our AASD undergraduates have attended.

  • African American Studies, Ph.D.
  • Law, J.D.
  • Medicine, M.D.
  • Psychology, M.S.
  • Psychology, Ph.D.
  • Public Health, M.P.H.
  • Public Policy, M.P.P.
  • Social Work, M.S.W.
  • Student Affairs, M.A.
  • Urban Planning, M.S.

Graduate School Resources: Researching programs:

Lambert Aryee

Career Spotlight: Lambert Aryee '19

Major: African American Studies

Minor: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Career: Admissions Counselor, University of Maryland (UMD) - Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Any job advice for students seeking a position in your field?

For any students interested in pursuing a career in higher education, you should know that any and all experiences on the undergraduate level are good experiences to lean on! So, apply for that RA position, become a Tour Guide, join multiple kinds of student organizations, but most importantly, get to know people within the departments you're interested in working for. Outside of that, follow the advice given at the University Career Center. Update your resume, practice your interview etiquette, and ask lots of questions.

Advice for students:

As an undergrad, I placed a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself to have things figured out by the time I graduate. Since graduating, I am still trying to figure things out. I say that to say, be present at the moment and enjoy the journey! College is hard, but it is also meant to be the best 4-5 years of your life, so use this time to explore all aspects of life. Take an elective course that is completely out of your comfort zone (for me, that was DANC 138C: Chinese Classical Dance), or start your own club on campus (co-founded Diazporić Dance Team). But above all, be genuine. On a campus as big as UMD, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of students on campus. It is also just as easy to smile and wave at your peers, attend office hours, and begin networking with campus faculty and staff. The last thing I'll share is that, after graduating, the adjustment to "post-grad life" is drastically difficult, so give yourself some grace. And remember, even within your failures, there are lessons to grow from. 

(Source: https://fellercenter.umd.edu/career-advice-bsos-alumni-umd-office-undergraduate-admissions)

Senam O

Career Spotlight: Senam Okpattah '20

Major: African American Studies & Public Policy

Career: Attorney Support Assistant, Latham & Watkins, LLP

Any job advice for students seeking a position in your field?

I have learned that opportunities can be found in unlikely places, so, it is important to be proactive in you pursuit for jobs or internships. I would encourage students to research about the plethora of resources and programs that are available to them. There are a number of pipeline programs for undergraduates that are sponsored by law firms, universities, and organizations. These programs provide significant exposure to the field of law and are a great opportunity to network. Additionally, I would encourage students to speak to attorneys or people that work in law. This is a great way to build connection, gain invaluable insight, and possibly open doors to job and internship openings. 

Advice for students:

I encourage undergraduates to take advantage of as many opportunities as they can while in school. Learning and development does not just happen inside the classroom. It is important to supplement your coursework with extracurricular activities that facilitate your growth, skills development, and enable you to learn more about yourself and your interests. I also encourage students to participate in activities that will equip them with a diverse set of skills as this can be leveraged in the job and internship search.

(Source: https://fellercenter.umd.edu/career-advice-bsos-alumni-latham-watkins-llp) 

For all other information with Career Planning under the Department of African American Studies, please explore the Feller Center: Advising and Career Planning: https://fellercenter.umd.edu/explore-careers/aas