We have tracked graduates of the African American Studies (AAS) program starting in 2001, when our first student graduated, through the Spring 2021 graduation ceremony. Of the 88 percent of the graduates that we were able to track, 83 percent are either employed or in graduate school. The following are examples of what some of our graduates are doing.
Employment
One of our graduates is a project specialist in the Office of the Director at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Other graduates are working as:
- Teachers and professors in high schools and colleges (including an Assistant Professor)
- Health education (including a Director of Health Education)
- Medical professionals (including a traveling nurse and a traveling radiologist to underserved communities)
- Project managers
- Diversity trainers
- University academic advisors
To talk about professional opportunities in African American Studies, make an appointment with program director Kathryn Morgan. You can email
Graduate Studies
Our graduates have joined master's and PhD programs in fields including:
- Africana and African American Studies
- Community Health Education
- Education
- English
- Museum Studies
- Public Health
Alumni Spotlight
-
Makayla Smith
Makayla Smith wants to use poetry to create spaces of joy and representation for Black, queer audiences. Growing up in the rural South, she struggled to find her identity as a writer and as a person. But studying literature, creative writing, and African American Studies at UAB has clarified for Smith what role she wants to play in the world as an academic and creator. Now, as an adult and recent graduate, she has a clearer understanding of herself.
Read more about Makayla Smith -
Veronica Mixon
Through courses like Black Psychology and an emphasis in global health and justice studies, Veronica Mixon (2021) has found numerous points of intersection between African American studies and psychology. Recently, she shared her insights at a panel entitled “Breaking Down Barriers: Supporting Marginalized Communities During COVID-19.” By building her critical thinking skills with an interdisciplinary focus, she is now in a position to pursue her career goals.
Read more about Veronica Mixon -
Michael Chambers II
In his latest role in the Director's Office at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Michael Chambers II manages board relations, a national philanthropic professional network, and special projects. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Museum Studies at Johns Hopkins University. In 2020 he was recognized by the UAB College of Arts and Sciences with its Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
Read more about Michael Chambers II -
Anissa Latham
Anissa Latham (2017) nurtured her storytelling and filmmaking skills during her time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham — now, with new partners and supporters investing in her work, she’s bringing her creative vision to the world. She directed and co-produced the film “Missing Magic,” which premiered at the American Film Institute (AFI) DOCS Film Festival in June 2021. “Missing Magic” will be featured on Alabama Public Television (APT).
Read more about Anissa Latham
Resources
The UAB Career Center has job and internship listings, industry-specific career counselors, job fairs, resume builders, and many more resources for UAB students. We recommend that you take advantage of all that they have to offer.
There are plenty of other websites that can help you with your career search. Start with one of these:
- National Association of African American Studies career board
- National Association for Ethnic Studies job board