Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for responses to commonly asked questions. If you have further questions, please contact the Black Diaspora and African American Studies Program through the Virtual Advising Center (VAC).

Major & Minor

When will the BDAAS major be offered?

The major will be offered in Fall 2022.

I will be a junior or senior in Fall 2022 and want to major in BDAAS. Is there anything I should know before declaring the major?

If you are interested in declaring BDAAS in Fall 2022 as a junior or senior, upper-division courses will be offered the first year. Please contact the advisor as soon as possible if you are interested in declaring the major so that we can advise you on how to plan your courses.

Would I be able to double major in BDAAS?

Yes, the major was designed to be compatible as a second major. Consult with your major and college advisors to see if your schedule allows you to declare a second major. Schedule an appointment with both major advisors to complete the form. Bringing a tentative academic plan with the second major included in the appointments is recommended.

Why should I minor in African American Studies?

Advantages & Benefits:

Teaches the political, economic, social, and civil constructs in the U.S.
Gives students the ability to work closely with faculty
Challenges students with critical thinking and engaging analysis
Offers opportunities for collaborative work

Professional Applications:

African American Studies is useful and needed in all disciplines and field of work. Our students engage in a number of co-curricular activities, like Study Abroad, College Exchange , campus organizations, research, like Independent Study, and special seminars.

Testimonials:

"Declaring the program was unexpected but such a profound experience. I’m so thankful that I was able to broaden my breadth of knowledge through this program, and my perception of the world has significantly changed for the better through the courses that I took for the minor. I am a better person because of the knowledge I have acquired from partaking in the program. This program is fantastic." - Nathy Nguyen, Marshall College Class of 2019

"This minor has taught me to question and critically think about what I am taught in a way that I never had before. I grew a lot as a person by pursuing a field of study that put me out of my comfort zone and forced me to really think about things in a new way. These are skills that can be applied to any career, and that I intend to apply to my work as a biologist in the future. If you are interested, do it." - Emily McPhee, Muir College Class of 2015

"It has allowed me to have a greater understanding and compassion for all people, while inspiring me to give back to my community in my spare time through productive and efficient means. I would recommend any and every person to take the AASM, as the minor gives knowledge, information, and includes real-life analysis and perspectives which is essential to all Americans." - Victor Brown, Revelle College Class of 2011

Study Abroad

I want to study abroad. Where should I go? What course(s) should I take?

We highly encourage students to expand their horizons by studying abroad and becoming global citizens. Selecting courses is entirely up to the student. IT'S YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE!

Consult with the UC San Diego Study Abroad Office on the process for preparing and applying to study abroad. We recommend setting up an appointment and reviewing the Programs Abroad Office's First Steps.

When preparing to study abroad, students must meet with the Black Diaspora and African American Studies Program Coordinator to discuss specific options and complete the EAP/OAP forms. It is the student's responsibility to petition each course upon returning from your study abroad program.

Additional Resources:

UCEAP Course Catalog - Search for courses by subject from a list of courses taken by UC students in the last five years

Student Testimonial - Check out Fabiola's experience studying abroad in Ghana with UCEAP

Study Abroad in Sub Saharan Africa Webinar

Courses

Can I petition course(s) taken outside of UC San Diego to count toward the minor?

You may wish to take courses outside of the university for a variety of reasons. You must complete the majority of your upper division requirements at UC San Diego, but it is possible to transfer both upper and lower division requirements from another two-year or four-year institution.

Follow these instructions on how to petition courses.

Please note that obtaining approval for a petition is always subject to the Program Director's discretion.

I am taking an Black Diaspora and African American Studies Special Studies course (i.e. AAS 197, 198, and/or 199), how do I enroll in the course?

Students should submit a request to enroll in Special Studies 197, 198, or 199 courses through the Enrollment Authorization System (EASy).

For more information on what qualifications need to be met in order to enroll in a Special Studies course, please visit How to Request Enrollment in Special Studies Classes (Undergraduate).

Resources

I would like to connect with community on campus, where can I find opportunities to engage with folks?

For more information, please check out the Resource tab on our website, which includes a list of resources in diversity at UC San Diego.