Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Black Studies focus award

Three students doing work in the community with MLK Day shirts on

Why choose the Black Studies focus award at PCC?

Portland Community College’s Black Studies focus award courses contribute to the understanding of the unique issues that people of African ancestry face in the modern world.

PCC offers one of the largest selections of courses that reflect the Black experience. Our Black Studies focus award enhances existing degrees and certificates and shows prospective employers and transfer colleges a foundational emphasis on the black experience and multicultural issues.

Race, Indigenous Nations and Gender studies

PCC’s Race Indigenous Nations and Gender (RING) faculty are devoted to you learning about injustice and how to address the inequities in our society. Consider taking classes in a range of RING subjects that address these concerns.

Focus award information

Focus awards won’t appear on your transcript, but they may be earned alongside a certificate or degree. See the requirements and courses.

Degrees and certificates by number of terms to complete
Award Length Financial aid eligible Currently accepting students?
Focus Award: Black StudiesLess than 1 year

Learn more about Focus Awards and all 13 awards available »

What will you learn?

Our interdisciplinary approach examines the economics, history, politics, culture, literature, and art of the African Diaspora.

What will you do?

Completing the Africa series of courses builds a foundation for International Studies. Completing the focus award satisfies the lower division course requirements for Portland State University’s Black Studies degree.

Completing the focus award

Once you’ve fulfilled the requirements, contact us to receive your award at 971-722-5637.

Next steps

Applying to PCC is free and only takes a few minutes.Apply now

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