Black Studies Program

The program will provide students with a general historical background of the black experience in Africa and the Western hemisphere, as well as provide detailed examination of cross-cultural and multi-ethnic dynamics in the contemporary social-political context.

In addition, this program is deisgned to enhance the students ability to function in current job markets that serve multi-cultural and multi-ethnic populations, particularly where the black experience is crucial. It also gives students a competitive advantage in obtaining careers in those areas and within communities that interact with African, African American, and Caribbean cultures.

Requirements for Major

In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements for completing a B.A. or B.S., candidates enrolled in the Black Studies major must meet the 60-credit minimum. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) are not acceptable toward fulfilling the major requirements in the area of specialization. At least 30 of the total 60 credits required for the major or 45 of the total credits presented for graduation must be taken in residence at Portland State University. A minimum 2.50 GPA is required in courses taken for the major.

Requirements for Minor

To earn a minor in black studies a student must complete 28 credits (12 credits of which must be taken in residence at PSU), to include the following: eight credits in lower division, 12 credits in upper division, and eight adviser-approved credits chose from courses within departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Requirements for Postbaccalaureate Certificate

A B.A. or B.S. is a prerequisite for a certificate in black studies. Candidates for the Black Studies certificate must satisfy the requirements outlines below. Completion of 36 credits is required for the certification in black studies. It is recommended that of these 36 credits, 24 credits be Department of Black Studies course offerings. Twenty-four credits will be upper-division courses within an area of specialization constructed with the consent of the adviser and approval of faculty.

All courses used to satisfy certificate requirements need not be Black Studies courses, but can include appropriate courses in other departments as approved by an adviser. Students may focus on the African American, Caribbean, or African experiences. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/ no pass) are not acceptable toward fulfilling certificate requirements.