Program Overview

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Master of Arts in Africana Studies

Gain a Global Perspective on Peoples of African Descent

Curate your expertise on the cultures and histories of Africans and African Americans with a Master of Arts in Africana Studies. UAlbany was the first university to offer an Africana Studies graduate degree and remains one of the few institutions in the nation with an MA program in the field. The Africana Studies MA prepares you for many possible careers, from education to law, and for further study at the doctoral level.

Program of Study

A multi-disciplinary program, the MA in Africana Studies explores topics in politics, culture, history, and social science. Choose one of two concentrations – African Studies or African American Studies – and select from subfields such as psychology and literature to further align your program of study with your interests.

Core Requirements (14 credits)

• Research Seminar and Socio-Methodology for Africana Studies (8 credits)
• African American Studies: Choose one:
  • Survey of African American Literature
  • Seminar in African American History
  • Race Theory and Social Thought
• African Studies: Choose one:
  • Problems of African Economics
  • African History
  • Topics in African History
  • Readings in African History
  • Seminar on Africa in World Politics
  • African Politics

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.

Supporting Courses (6 credits)

Among electives, 3-4 credits may be taken outside of Africana Studies.

Comprehensive Examination

Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination in the specific areas of Africana Studies.

GPA Degree Clearance

A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required to obtain a Master’s Degree.

Career Outcomes

The MA in Africana Studies provides a track toward doctoral study in Africana Studies or another field, as well as careers across a wide range of sectors.

Possible job titles for a master's in Africana Studies include:

• Counselor
• Elementary, secondary or post-secondary educator
• Program Coordinator
• Educational Programs Director
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Case Manager
• Policy Analyst
• Project Manager

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Fall: Rolling
• Spring: Rolling
• Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of goals

Student Learning Objectives

Africana Studies graduate students will develop proficiency in research methods. Students will demonstrate an interdisciplinary understanding of African and African American history, culture, politics, and society. Students graduating with a Master’s degree in Africana Studies will be prepared for doctoral or professional studies in relevant areas.