About this Program

The African American and African Studies (AAST) program offers the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The program is designed to give students an essential core of basic knowledge and analytical skills, while providing an opportunity to specialize in one of two emphasis areas: African American Studies or African Studies.

Program Highlights

  • The program introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of people of African descent in the United States and the African Diaspora

  • The interdisciplinary approach, a key aspect of the program, helps to overcome limitations inherent as a result of investigating a people or group from a single disciplinary perspective

  • The discipline develops students' critical thinking and analytical skills and produces well-rounded individuals prepared to enter the workforce or pursue study in a wide variety of fields at the graduate level and in professional schools (e.g., law, medicine, social work)

  • The program produces individuals who can function effectively in the new millennium with special knowledge of the multifaceted and complex historical and contemporary issues that have shaped the racial parameters of the nation and the world

  • Upon completion of the degree, students will have a well-rounded background in the liberal arts, strong communications skills (written and oral), and analytic and methodological skills that have prepared them for graduate study and make them an asset to a range of enterprises in the public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit sectors

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
B.A. or B.S.
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Social and Human Service Assistants

$35,460 Median Salary

Assist in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

$129,840 Median Salary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Social and Community Service Managers

$77,030 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Lawyers

$141,890 Median Salary

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for African American & African Studies at ODU?
Students entering the B.A. or B.S. program in African American & African Studies should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Professor & Director of the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity

7034 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23529