Black American Studies

Black American Studies (BAMS) provides students with a broad critical exposure to the multidisciplinary study of people and cultures of African descent in the United States as well as the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Europe.  Majors in BAMS develop critical skills in the analysis of social, cultural, political and economic factors that influence their status and overall well-being. BAMS courses and program experiences prepare majors to participate in society with a firmer understanding of the dynamics of race and culture that may affect them.  The program provides students the opportunity to experience other cultures in the African Diaspora outside of the United States; engage in research, and develop practical understanding of issues of social justice in communities, institutions and social policies.  

Students in this major acquire the skills and general knowledge typical of most liberal arts programs that prepare them for a variety of specific careers and advanced professional training.  BAMS majors find employment in the fashion industry, journalism, advertising and marketing, human resources, personnel management, and social services.  They also find career opportunities in education, legislative and public affairs, counseling and community organizations.  Many go on to law school or enroll in graduate programs in social or behavioral science, history or literature fields.   With the growing attention to human diversity in our society, the skills of comparative cultural analysis offer a major advantage to graduates pursuing careers in diverse organizations.

Interested students should contact Gail Brittingham, Office Coordinator, 417 Ewing Hall, britting@udel.edu or call 831 – 2897.

Sample Job Titles

Enhancing Employability

- Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Alumni Career Network.
- Participate in undergraduate research, participate in volunteer work, acquire positions of leadership in on-campus organizations, and create an extensive network of students, faculty and other professionals in your field.

Some Employers of Black American Studies Majors

*college/universities
*magazines/newspapers
*local/state/federal government
*libraries
*business and industry
*communications media
*public/private schools
*historical societies
*community centers
*nonprofits

Other Sources of Information

Careers for Graduates with a Degree in African American Studies
www.associatedcontent.com/article/70708/careers_for_graduates_with_a_degree.html

African American Studies
www.fsu.edu/~aas/faqs.htm

American Association of Museums
www.aam-us.org

American Historical Association
www.historians.org

American Society of Associations Executives
www.asaenet.org

Federal Jobs
www.usajobs.opm.gov

Jobs in Nonprofit Organizations
www.opportunitynocs.org

Museum Employment Resource Center
www.museum-employment.com

National Association of Independent Schools
www.nais.org

National Association of Social Workers
www.socialworkers.org

National Council on Public History
www.ncph.org

Opportunities in Public Affairs (User Name: udel; Password: bluehens)
www.brubach.com/opawebversion3/opa.htm

Organizations of American Historians
www.oah.org

Society of American Archivists
www.archivists.org

Resources for Finding Employment

University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials Available

• Internships in Law and Policy (EXR 1)
• Directory of Internship Opportunities for the Liberal Arts Major (EXR 65)
• Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law & Social Work (GS 40)
• Game Plan for Getting Into Law School (GS 101)
• Best 117 Law School (GS 108)
• 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For (CSD 412)
• Jobs and Careers with Nonprofit Organizations (CSD 413)
• Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSD 414)
• Careers for Bookworms and other Literary Types (CSE 240)
• Careers in Fund Raising (CSE 249)
• So You Want to be a Professor? (CSE 270)
• Opportunities for Travel Careers (CSE 400)
• Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors (CSE 559)
• Opportunities in Social Science Careers (CSE 572)
• Great Jobs for History Majors (CSE 574)
• Careers for Extroverts & Other Gregarious Types (CSE 590)
• Careers for Born Leaders & Other Decisive Types (CSE 591)
• Careers for Introverts and Other Solitary Types (CSE 594)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Graduate School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: September 26, 2008 (CH)