Africana Studies Master of Arts Degree Program

The program leading to the M.A. degree seeks to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of African and African American history, culture, politics and society and to prepare them for professional careers in relevant areas. In addition to core requirements, students will concentrate in one of two areas: African Studies or African American Studies. Students in African Studies may choose courses in history and culture, politics and economics of either particular regions or of the continent as a whole. Subfields in African American Studies include history and culture, politics, sociology, psychology and literature.

Students are prepared for careers in teaching, counseling, international relations, business, journalism, federal and state government programs, community program direction, research and program development and evaluation.

Requirements (32 credits minimum, of which 28-29 must be in Africana Studies)

  1. Core requirements for all students (14 credits):
    • Research Seminar. Afs 611A and Afs 611B Socio-Methodology for African and Afro- American Studies (8).
    • A general course in African American Studies, from the following list: Afs 504 Seminar in African American History I (4), Afs 505 Seminar in African American History II (4), Afs 596 Survey of African American Literature (3), or Afs 612 Race Theory and Social Thought (3).
    • A general course in African Studies, from the following list: Afs 520 Problems of African Economics (3), Afs 560 African History (3), Afs 533 Topics in African History (3), Afs 662 Readings in African History (3), Afs 623 Seminar on Africa in World Politics (3), or Afs 624 African Politics (3).
  2. Concentration Requirements (12 credits). Students must choose a concentration in either African or African American Studies. Each concentration will require 12 credits of coursework in the field of specialization.
  3. Supporting Courses (6 credits). Among electives, 3-4 credits may be taken outside the department.
  4. Comprehensive Examination. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination in the specific areas of Africana Studies.