Program Overview

---

African American Studies, MA

The program in African American studies at the University of WisconsinMadison is dedicated to carrying on the vision of the elders and ancestors who devoted themselves to the highest standards of intellectual rigor and to the realization of a vision of true equality and opportunity. Like W.E.B. Du Bois, Anna Julia Cooper, John Hope Franklin, Zora Neale Hurston, and James Porter, the department is committed to bringing the fruits of academic research to the broadest possible audience, within and beyond the walls of the university.

Program Description

The deepest understanding of the complex reality of race in America requires an interdisciplinary approach, one that draws on history and literature, the social sciences, and the arts. Graduate studies are concentrated in three areas:

• African American Culture (literature, theater history, music and culture, art history, and visual culture)
• History and Society
• Black Women's Studies

The MA program is based on personalized programs of study shaped to meet the needs of individual students, many of whom participate in the "Bridge" programs which enable them to move directly into PhD programs in English or History. Program faculty are experts in their fields and work collaboratively to ensure that graduate students are well prepared to either take on further study at the PhD level or careers in teaching, public service, and the private, corporate sector.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below.

• Fall Deadline: December 15
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): n/a
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

To apply to the Masters program, the following documents must be uploaded:

• Unofficial transcript(s) or academic records from each institution attended
• International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation
• Statement of purpose (2 double-spaced pages)
• A writing sample (10-20 double-spaced pages)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation

Prospective students must meet the Graduate School minimum requirements. Admission to the department is competitive: the minimum overall GPA required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students with a GPA above 3.3 are especially encouraged to apply.

Funding

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 21 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
• Assessments and Examinations: The degree requires the completion of a Masters thesis

Required Courses

Students must complete 24 credits of approved graduate coursework as well as 6 thesis credits (AFROAMER 790 Research and Thesis).

• At least 12 credits must be taken in the Department of African American Studies
• AFROAMER 525: Major Authors
• AFROAMER 621: Slavery and Capitalism in the United States
• AFROAMER/HISTORY 628: History of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States
• AFROAMER 671: Selected Topics in Afro-American History
• AFROAMER/ENGL 672: Selected Topics in Afro-American Literature
• AFROAMER 673: Selected Topics in Afro-American Society
• AFROAMER 675: Selected Topics in Afro-American Culture
• AFROAMER/GEN&WS 677: Critical and Theoretical Perspectives in Black Women's Writings
• AFROAMER 699: Directed Study in Afro-American Studies (No more than 6 credits of Directed Study may be applied toward fulfillment of the MA coursework requirements)
• Electives: Students will select their remaining courses in consultation with their faculty advisor
• Thesis: Students must complete 6 credits of thesis (AFROAMER 790 Research and Thesis)

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: The program may transfer 9 credits of prior graduate coursework from other institutions towards the minimum graduate degree credit and minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: No credits from an undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the program's graduate degree requirements

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's policy

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School's policies

Credits Per Term Allowed

12 credits

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School's policy

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance
• Employee Disability Resource Office
• Graduate School
• Office of Compliance
• Office Student Assistance and Support
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
• Title IX

Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to:

1. Provide students with a thorough understanding of a range of disciplinary approaches to the study of the African American experience in the United States and the African diaspora.
2. Provide students with a foundation in their area of concentration that will enable them to pursue doctoral work in a relevant discipline, especially in the areas of English and history, where we have established Bridge programs with UW departments.
3. Familiarize students with the techniques of effective teaching in multiracial classrooms, including training in dealing with controversial issues and potential racial tensions.