Bachelor in African Studies (Bachelor's)

Tuition is Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $63,000..

The Africana Studies programme studies the history, culture, and social development of people of African descent. It involves courses across multiple departments. Students participate in international mini-terms for hands-on learning. In Senegal, students explore globalization, poverty, religion, and women’s issues. In Cape Town, they study history through public, personal, and historical views. The programme encourages cultural involvement via student clubs and campus events.

Focus areas include History of people of African descent, Culture of African diaspora, Globalization and poverty, Religion in African contexts, Women's issues in Africa, Historical perspectives in South Africa.

The major and minor require coursework across multiple disciplines. Students complete a three-week international mini-term in either Senegal or South Africa as part of the curriculum.

Graduates pursue roles in education, law, public health, and nonprofit program coordination.

Applicants must meet Union College's general admission requirements. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Submission of transcripts and standardized test scores may be needed.

The programme totals about 36 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typical duration four years. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 44% of applicants.

Union College's identity is captured in its name: things come together. Liberal arts, engineering and entrepreneurship share the same academic setting, creating opportunities for students to explore different interests and combine areas of study. The college offers more than 62 areas of study, with academic work extending beyond the classroom through research alongside faculty.

Research is part of the experience across majors. Students work with faculty in laboratories, archives, studios and field settings. This hands-on approach applies to a broad range of subjects and gives students opportunities to develop questions, investigate ideas and connect academic learning with practical work. Union also prepares students for life after college through its focus on career outcomes.

The campus is in Schenectady, a New York city with restaurants and cafes, shops and boutiques, theaters and events. Hiking, biking and skiing are available minutes from campus, giving students access to outdoor activities as well as city amenities. More than 130 clubs and organizations cover interests from beekeeping and off-road racing to music festivals and movie nights. International students joining Union enter a community where academic exploration, research, student activities and the surrounding city all form part of daily life.