Portland-State-University 2025-2026 Bulletin

Black Studies B.A./B.S.

Requirements

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. Students interested in declaring a major in Black Studies should see the department undergraduate advisor or the department chair for assistance with Black Studies course selection.

Core courses

BSt 202Introduction to Black Studies

4

BSt 396Research Methodologies in Black Studies

4

BSt 400-levelOne BSt Course 411 or above

4

And

One BSt seminar course from the following list:

BSt 407Seminar

4

BSt 411African American History Seminar

4

BSt 413Slavery

4

BSt 414Racism

4

BSt 415Race, Justice, and Punishment

4

BSt 430Black Political Thought

4

BSt 440Caribbean Studies

4

BSt 450Topics in African/Caribbean History And Culture

4

BSt 466History of the Black Panther Party

4

BSt 467African Development Issues

4

BSt 484African American Community Development

4

BSt 489Afro-Latin@ Narratives

4

Elective Courses

BSt Two lower-division Black Studies courses

8

BSt Six upper-division electives in Black Studies

24

Three upper-division non-Black Studies courses or advisor-approved courses

12

Total Credit Hours: 60