Princeton Approves African American Studies Major


Princeton undergraduate students will be able to major in African American studies starting in the fall. The University’s Board of Trustees approved the new concentration June 1, 2015, and gave the Center for African American Studies academic department status. The trustees also approved certificate programs in cognitive science, diplomacy and ethnographic studies.

The changes, which the faculty had approved in May, will take effect July 1.

[Related: College Students Launch New Venture Capital Fund]

“Princeton’s outstanding faculty members in African American studies address cultural, social and political issues of urgent importance to our students, our nation and the world,” President Christopher L. Eisgruber said. “By approving the establishment of a new Department of African American Studies, the trustees and the faculty of the university have provided Princeton’s students with new opportunities for learning, and they have deepened our commitment to support scholarship of the highest quality in this vibrant field.”

Eddie Glaude Jr., the William S. Tod Professor of Religion and African American Studies, will chair the new department.

“I can’t help but think about the faculty, students, staff, and administrators, over the years, who worked tirelessly to get us here,” Glaude said. “With the recent vote that work has finally come to fruition. The vibrant field of African American studies is now an integral part of Princeton University. And I believe the scholars who are currently here, and the community we are building, will have long-lasting effects on this institution. It is an exciting time to be at Princeton and a glorious moment in the history of this great university.”

Students concentrating in African American studies will choose from one of three thematic subfields: African American Culture and Life, Global Race and Ethnicity, and Race and Public Policy.

Read more at Princeton.edu


×