James Robinson Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies
Humanities & Culture
African Studies
African Studies Program, New College, Faculty of Arts & Science
Dr. Afua Cooper is not only a scholar, historian, poet, and social and cultural commentator, she's also an African Studies grad.
Afua Cooper (Ph.D, African Canadian History) has expertise which includes slavery, abolition, and freedom, especially for the 18th and 19th centuries, gender studies, Black education, and Black literatures. Her work having been published and award-winning, she is an accomplished writer. As the Johnston Chair in Canadian Black Studies at Dalhousie University, Dr. Cooper has engaged in research, teaching, and publication on Black Canada. Read more about Afua here.
What skills can African Studies graduates use in their careers?
Within two years of entering the labour market, 84% with undergraduate degrees in this area of study are employed with a median salary of $52,800/year.
69% of those graduates go on to pursue further education. (Sources: Statistics Canada Employment Income and Further Education Data from Class of 2020.)
Industry Pathways
Alumni with a degree in African Studies have often pursued these industries:
- Postsecondary Education (Colleges & Universities)
- Policy Analysis & Research
- International Relations & Diplomacy
- Nonprofit & Advocacy Organizations
- Public Relations & Corporate Communications
- Community Development
- Freelance & Independent Consulting
- Innovation & Product Development
- Project & Program Management
Further Education Pathways
Alumni with a degree in African Studies have often pursued these further education options:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Master of Global Affairs/International Relations
- Law School (JD or LLB)
- Teaching Certification
- Master of Communication/Media Studies
Exploring connections between your degree and career
Learn about yourself
Register for Job Shadowing to connect with professionals in your field of interest through a half- or full-day placement that helps clarify your goals and explore career paths.
Attend an In the Field program to meet professionals working in various roles within one organization.
Find a Work Study Position to apply your academic skills in paid, on-campus roles that offer hands-on experience and insight into career possibilities.
Join a career workshop or small group conversation to explore options, understand your strengths, and plan for your future. Visit the Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) for more information.
Build Your Network
Find the University of Toronto on LinkedIn and connect with peers, professionals, and alumni who can support your career journey.
Access U of T's Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees —an online networking platform with over 12,000 students and alumni—to exchange career advice, attend webinars, and explore career paths through one-on-one conversations.
Join networking events, panels, and career fairs through CLNx to connect with employers and alumni for career advice, informational interviews, and referrals.
Volunteer opportunities are a great ways to expand your connections and gain industry insight.
Explore identity-focused mentorship opportunities—such as the Black Alumni Mentorship Program—to connect with mentors who share your lived experiences and can support your personal, academic, and professional growth. If you have questions about the program, connect with Modele Kuforiji at mod.kuforiji@utoronto.ca.
Student Life’s Mentorship & Peer Programs also provide engagement opportunities for African Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian, and First-Generation students, helping to promote academic and career wellness while fostering belonging and community. If you have questions about this programming, contact Adonica Huggins at adonica.huggins@utoronto.ca.
Explore Your Program
Explore your area of study by connecting with faculty and peers and finding opportunities that enrich your academic and professional journey.
Talk to professors to better understand your discipline and identify meaningful learning experiences.
Get involved in student groups and leadership roles to spark new ideas, expand your perspective, and open unexpected opportunities.
Take advantage of faculty advising and support services, and explore internships through professional associations to gain hands-on experience in your field.
