Skip to main content
Skip to main menu Skip to spotlight region Skip to secondary region Skip to UGA region Skip to Tertiary region Skip to Quaternary region Skip to unit footer

Slideshow

    Welcome to the Institute for African American Studies

    Students singing at the chapel
    Students from the African American Choral Ensemble performing on the Chapel stage

    The Institute for African American Studies offers students a degree that focuses on the history of the African American people, their impact on American culture, as well as their modern experience in today's world. We explore African American literature that dates back to the late 1700's, as well as their influence in theater and art.  It explores race and ethnicity in America, as well as cultural diversity and how it varies across groups.

    Our institute provides students with the opportunity to participate in exciting lectures and discussions led by faculty members that are engaged in promoting the study of people of African descent and their experiences throughout history. 

    Featured Content

    IAAS major, Diego Palko, presented a poster in the 2024 Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) Symposium, which highlights the work of UGA students and presents an opportunity for them to communicate their research to a broader community. Mr.
    By Kimberly Davis, a fourth-generation Athenian who has been a writer and editor for 25 years. Reprinted courtesy of Boom Magazine – boomathens.com.

    Upcoming Events


    -
    Holmes Hunter Academic Building 207 Classroom

    -
    Tate Student Center Room 137

    Support African American Studies at UGA

    The Institute defines support in diverse ways to give you as many options as possible to assist in our mission. We consider “friend-raising" as important as fund-raising. Your financial contributions and support help us to develop and strengthen our programs and offerings, both on campus and in the community. 

    Your gift makes a big difference. Learn more about how you can donate today.

    Study within African American cultural history provides a basis for understanding political, social, and economic relations throughout human history.

    Graduate Certificate

    The Institute for African American Studies offers a graduate certificate in African American Studies. The program is designed for currently enrolled graduate students in good standing who are matriculated in Masters, Doctoral, Professional, and Specialist degree programs, as well as non-degree seeking enrolled graduate students.

    Learn more about our Graduate Certificate

    Students

    Chera Jo Watts graduated from UGA with the MA in Religion and Graduate Certificate in African American Studies in May 2022. Her thesis was directed by Dr. Carolyn Jones Medine, Director of the Institute for African American Studies and All Shall Be Well Professor of Religion. We invite you to…

    Read Bio
    Graduate Certificate Alum

    Chera Jo Watts graduated from UGA with the MA in Religion and Graduate Certificate in African American Studies in May 2022. Her thesis was directed by Dr. Carolyn Jones Medine, Director of the Institute for African American Studies and All Shall Be Well Professor of Religion. We invite you to…

    Read Bio

    Greetings from Director

    I am delighted to welcome you to the webpage for and to The Institute for African American Studies. The IAAS is the unit at The University of Georgia that examines all dimensions of the African diaspora in the United States. We are an interdisciplinary faculty, with scholars from English Language and Literature, Sociology, Theater and Film Studies, History, and Religion, among others. These diverse approaches offer our majors and minors and our certificate students, both undergraduate and graduate, multiple entry points into the study of African American life. We welcome all to our program, courses, and ongoing events.

    Read more from our Director