Program Overview

Introduction to the African American and African Studies Master of Arts Program

The Department of African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University offers graduate courses leading to the Master of Arts and PhD degrees in African American and African Studies. Originally established as an academic division in October 1969 as Black Studies, it is a proud product of the 1960's Black freedom movement. The department achieved formal department status in 1972 and enjoys the reputation of being one of the strongest African American and African Studies programs in the nation.

Program Mission

The department's primary mission is:

• To stimulate teaching and research about the Black experience in the United States, Africa, and throughout the African Diaspora.
• To encourage students and others to assess various strategies for advancing human progress through the examination of the global struggle for Black freedom.

Curriculum and Faculty

The comprehensive multidisciplinary curriculum includes courses in:

• Literature
• Music
• History
• Sociology
• Political science
• Community development These courses are taught by more than 18 full-time faculty members who each hold the doctoral degree in their respective disciplines.

Community Extension Center

The African American and African Studies Department also has a Community Extension Center, which serves as both the outreach arm into the large Black community in the city of Columbus and a significant resource for faculty and student research and community engagement.

Diversity and Identity Studies

As part of the Diversity and Identity Studies project at The Ohio State University, the department's courses and faculty research reflect a longstanding interest in diversity and identity studies.

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the Black experience and the skills necessary to conduct research and analysis in the field. With its strong faculty and comprehensive curriculum, the African American and African Studies Master of Arts program at The Ohio State University is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in this field.