African American Studies
Program Overview:
Explore the Politics & Contemporary Society through the African American Perspective
LASC offers courses that will give you a foundational knowledge in African American Studies, yet we do not currently offer a degree or certificate. Depending on where your interests lie, we recommend talking with an academic counselor on what program of study to major in if you’d like to transfer to a four-year college or university that has an African American Studies program.
Regardless of if you wish to transfer to a university in African American or Ethnic Studies or just want to learn more about African Americans in the US Political System, civil rights, issues in education, housing, economics, justice, and law enforcement, this area of focus is for you. African American Studies is a supportive subject to programs, such as Ethnic Studies, Anthropology, Social Justice Studies, Sociology, and Liberal Arts, depending on what career you want to have.
Careers Involving African American Studies
With a degree in African American Studies, you can work in journalism, media relations, education, community outreach, diversity and inclusion (training and development specialist), or law. You will have the opportunity to work closely with others who have a commitment to diverse perspectives and inclusiveness.
Here are just a few careers and their salaries you could have with a background in African American Studies:
Career information below taken from bls.gov December 2019. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $120,140/year | $57.76/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 4% increase (as fast as average) | 12,470 |
Coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $65,320/year | $31.41/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 13% increase (much faster than average) | 168,800 |
Recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They also handle employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $73,180/year | $35.18/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 5% increase (as fast as average) | 24,100 |
Courses offered in African American Studies at LASC
You can incorporate African American Studies courses as an emphasis with any major! Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
2 The African American in Contemporary Urban Society (3) UC:CSU
CSUGE Area D3, D8
Lecture: 3 hours
A survey of the urbanization of the African American with emphasis on contemporary issues, public policy solutions, civil rights, and equality of opportunity. Issues include education, housing, economics (welfare, poverty, and employment), politics, justice and law enforcement, urban and community development, and family.
7 Black Americans and the Political System (3) UC:CSU
CSUGE Area D3, D8
Lecture: 3 hours
Students analyze the relationship of minority groups to American Politics with emphasis on African Americans in the political system. This course gives an in-depth study of the distribution of political power at the Federal and State levels, African American political thought, ranging from early 18th and 19th emigrationist sentiments to the nationalist exhortations of contemporary African American culture, including African American feminist and socialist thought.