African-American Studies

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES – AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES CONCENTRATION

Whether you’re exploring relevant career opportunities or just want to get to know more about this fascinating field, East-West University has the behavioral science degree program with an African-American Studies Minor, in Chicago, that you need.

African American Studies involves the comprehensive and multi-disciplinary study of the varied experiences of peoples of African descent. You’ll investigate the complex social, economic, political, cultural and historical development of people of African descent in the United States. A particular emphasis will be given on the exploration of the current socio-economic, cultural and political trends in the African-American community with a vision toward the future. The framework of analysis will help you develop an analytical ability that is also based in interdisciplinary skills and research.

Note: This area of focused Interest suggests 20 additional Credit Hours to complete. Course recommendations include EN 341; HS 331; HS 336; PL 313, and PS 203. Students choosing the African American studies minor are required to complete 20 additional credit hours. This would include courses in African-American Literature, African-American History, Psychology of the African-American Experiences and Politics of American Minorities.

CAREER OPTIONS IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES

From psychology and sociology to history, the B.A. in behavioral sciences at East-West University will help you acquire the skills necessary for most professional entry level jobs – especially those which require “people skills.” You’re career prospects will benefit from the combined interdisciplinary preparation in comparative economics, database management, statistics, social research, history, political science, sociology and psychology as well as the unique subject matter involved in this concentration area.

Your concentration in African & African-American studies also provides the appropriate training for those interested in pursuing admission to graduate or professional schools and careers in such areas as:

  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Business management
  • City planning
  • International relations
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Publishing
  • Social work

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Curricular requirements must comply with all general academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree, including:

  • Completion of 180 quarter hours,
  • Residency requirement of 48 quarter hours
  • Completion of HM 279 (East-West University Signature course)
  • Completion of HM 491 (Senior Seminar),
  • An overall GPA of 2.0 and a 2.5 GPA in the major,
  • Compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress policy pertaining to both Grade Maintenance and Timely Completion,
  • All outcome measures required by the assessment program must be passed successfully,
  • All financial obligations must be cleared

The program embodies three broad blocks of curricular requirements or components:

I: General Education Core (64 quarter hours);
II: BHS core and concentration courses 60 quarter hours
III: Elective courses (56 quarter hours), for a total of 180 quarter hours

I: General Education Core courses:

  • 5 specified courses in English and Communications for a total of 20 quarter hours;
  • 1 specified mathematics course, one biology course, and 12 additional hours from biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics for a total of 20 hours;
  • 1 specified humanities course and 16 additional quarter hours selected from behavioral and social sciences and humanities for a total of 20 hours;
  • 1 specified course from computer and information science for a total of 4 hours.

II: BHS Core and selected African-American Studies concentration area courses

  • 11 specified BHS core courses, and an additional 16 hours BHS elective courses for a total of 60 hours

III: Elective courses:

  • 56 quarter hours from freely selected courses

Alumni & Students

Jiaxin Li

Jiaxin Li

Before attending East-West University, I attended college in China. I heard about EWU from my uncle and knew it would be a good opportunity to expand my knowledge and prepare for my career.

I am studying Management in the business program and ultimately would like to use these skills to pursue my dream of becoming a designer. I have learned a lot in my classes and courses like Accounting teach skills that I will continue to use.

In China, my parents and teachers always told me that through studying, one gains success and fortunes will follow. Reading brings us everything. At East-West University, I am studying hard to prepare for my future.

Justyna Bronska

Justyna Bronska

I came to East-West after studying in the ESL program at Triton College. I received a scholarship for international students and was also hired as an international student advisor. I’ve always wanted to be successful regardless of the obstacles in place and exceed expectations. My experience at East-West University has changed my approach toward life and my responsibilities.

I’m studying in the Business program to obtain a management position. An important lesson I’ve learned at EWU is that I am responsible for my own future. I am committed to finishing my degree and have obtained the self-discipline to do so as I’ve made progress in my program. When I graduate, I would like to travel, have a family, and buy a house. Studying business at EWU will give me the tools to succeed.

Greg Williams

Greg Williams

I could not pass up the opportunity to return to school at East-West. I chose EWU because of its academics, location, and affordability.

East-West has helped me be successful by making it possible for me to both work and go to school. The instructors are experienced have encouraged me to pursue a career in Accounting. I have really enjoyed my experience here and would like to go to graduate school after I finish. My professor always said to ‘be the captain of your own ship.’ At East-West University, I am afforded the opportunity to do so.