The African American Studies program is the oldest of the ethnic studies programs at Cortland College, dating back to 1975 when is was founded as the Department of Black Studies. Students who major in African American Studies may choose a concentration in African and Black American History or in Black Sociological, Political, and Community Development; 36 hours are required for the major. Students many also minor in African American Studies, an 18-hour program. Finally, majors may combine courses in African American Studies with a professional sequence to qualify for provisional certification as Secondary Social Studies teachers.

African American Studies faculty is represented in Education, English, History, Geography, Political Science, Performing Arts, and Sociology/Anthropology. Other faculty offer courses jointly between African American Studies and their departments. The Cortland College Gospel Choir is a part of African America Studies and the Music Department. The Gospel Choir is highly successful, hosting an annual festival and performing in local and statewide concerts. Students may participate in the Gospel Choir for one credit hour per semester.

Administration of the African American Studies Program and advisement of its students are provided by the coordinator of African American Studies and the African American Studies Committee, a subcommittee of the Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies.