Interdepartmental Programs > African Studies M.A. Program

About the MA Program in African Studies

Scope and Objectives of the Program

The intellectual objective of the African Studies M.A. Program (M.A.A.S) is to provide graduate students an opportunity to engage in intensive study and research on Africa on an interdisciplinary basis. The program offers African Area courses in a wide range of disciplines, including the fine arts, humanities, social sciences, and some professional fields. The M.A.A.S. is not a professional degree, but students may enroll in courses in several professional schools on campus. An articulated degree program is also offered in Public Health.

Academic flexibility draws many students to the program. Because there are more than 50 faculty members with African interest and experience in approximately 30 disciplines, students have multiple options to design individual programs suited to their specific interests.

According to a recent survey, 50% of the program graduates continue studying at the post-graduate level, about 20% are employed in higher education, and a significant percentage work in international or foreign organizations in numerous countries.