African Culture

<h2 id="section---AreStudiesInAfricanCultureForMe">Are Studies in African Culture for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---Overview">Overview</h3> <p>Interdisciplinary degree programs in African culture generally focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Learning <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Learn_an_African_Language_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">African languages</a> is an important part of the curriculum. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in African culture are offered at private and public colleges and universities. </p> <p>If you graduate with a bachelor's degree in African culture, you could pursue a career in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/International_Relations_Degrees_Online_Program_FAQs.html">international relations</a> or government. By obtaining a teaching certificate, you could seek a position as a secondary teacher. You may continue your education with a graduate program in African culture or a related discipline. Earning an advanced degree can qualify you for a job as a journalist, museum curator or postsecondary educator. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3> <p>As a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_College_Professor.html">college professor</a>, you could enjoy a flexible schedule with the majority of your time dedicated to lectures and research. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Teacher_Career_Definition_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">teachers</a> are expected to experience a 19% increase in employment between 2012 and 2022, with area, ethnic, and cultural studies professors seeing 16% growth during that same period (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). In May 2013, the median annual wage for an area, ethnic and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cultural_Studies_Majors_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">cultural studies</a> postsecondary teacher was $66,770. The BLS predicts that employment of curators will increase 13% from 2012-2022. This job paid a median salary of $50,550 in 2013. </p> <p>If you choose to work for the federal government, then you can expect to be paid based on a general schedule. As of 2014, the lowest annual salary on the pay scale was $17,981, and the highest was $130,810, per the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (<i>www.opm.gov</i>). Salaries are based on level of experience and position within a government institution; the location you are assigned to can also affect your salary because some employees receive location pay, too. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInAfricanCulture">How Can I Work in African Culture?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduateEducation">Undergraduate Education</h3> <p>Your bachelor's degree coursework will probably include general African <a href="https://learn.org/articles/History_Majors_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">history</a>, music, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Art_History_Majors_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">art history</a>, folklore, religion and philosophy. Literature from disciplines like <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Anthropology_Degrees_Online_Program_FAQs.html">anthropology</a> and sociology are often incorporated into the curriculum. In addition, you might study one or more African languages, including Swahili, Zulu or Amharic. </p> <p>A Bachelor of Arts degree program may allow you to choose a thematic emphasis. Options may include gender, class, a historical period, identities, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Diversity_Studies.html">diversity</a>, aesthetics and diaspora studies. An African study abroad experience is offered by many programs, and students are encouraged to participate. Issues such as HIV/AIDS, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Public_Health_Majors_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">public health</a> and social justice are themes that can often be better explored overseas. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduateEducation">Graduate Education</h3> <p>As a graduate student, you'll focus on one or more areas within African culture. These might include the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Popular_Careers_in_Humanities.html">humanities</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Social_Science_Majors_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">social sciences</a> or development studies. Coursework usually includes further study of African indigenous languages, applied <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Linguistics_Degrees_Online_Program_FAQs.html">linguistics</a> and research methodologies. Expect to examine the interrelations among religious, cultural, social, political and historical issues regarding Africa. </p> <p>Some universities offer joint degree programs; for example, a school might offer a Master of Arts in African Studies with another professional degree such as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degree_in_School_Library_and_Information_Science_Online_Program_FAQs.html">Master of Science in Library and Information Science</a>. Writing a thesis is typically required to earn a master's degree, and a dissertation is the common graduation requirement at the doctoral level.</p>