The Department of African and African-American Studies offers interdisciplinary substantive and language courses leading to the Master of Arts degree. The degree has two related objectives: (1) it fulfills the educational needs of persons who seek positions with organizations in both the public and private sectors, and (2) it prepares persons who desire to pursue the terminal degrees in their field. The program emphasizes the broader concepts in the humanities and the social sciences.

The integrative focus of the curriculum is an important characteristic of the interdisciplinary nature of this program. In this regard, the candidate should develop the capacity to continue as a self-educator throughout their career. Broad background study in this field enables the graduate to assimilate newly-acquired skills and methodologies quickly. Graduates should be prepared to cope with the rapid changes in Africa and the African diaspora. The program places considerable emphasis on both the internal and external forces which affect African and African-American societies. The continuity and change in Africa and their impact on world civilizations are emphasized in both the required courses and through electives.

Admission to Graduate Studies

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy. 

• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.  

• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required. 

Admission to the M.A. Program

Prospective students are admitted to the M.A. program for the fall or spring semester.

• Application deadline for fall admission: May 1. For first consideration of funding, it is highly encouraged to apply by January 5.
• Application deadline for spring admission: October 1

Deadlines will be extended to the following business day if they fall on a weekend or holiday.

Application Requirements

• A copy or scan of official transcripts from each college and post-secondary institution you have attended. Copies of official transcripts should be uploaded directly to the online application. If admitted, applicants will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions within the first semester of enrollment.
• Statement of Purpose: A professional narrative explaining your background, academic interests, and reason for applying to the M.A. program in African and African-American Studies at KU. Please indicate the faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work in your statement. (maximum 3 pages double-spaced)
• A resume or curriculum vitae listing your education, employment history, volunteer experience, internships, scholarships/fellowships, academic awards, knowledge of foreign languages, and any other relevant information
• Three letters of recommendation from qualified individuals, preferring most recent professors
• A sample of your writing or creative work that could be an academic paper or a combination of written work and a portfolio of creative work (maximum 15 pages)

Eligibility criteria for admission to the M.A. program follow Graduate Studies' admission policy. 

Plan of Study

Students are expected to discuss their plans of study with the graduate advisor. The information that follows is only a guide toward that discussion, using fall admission as an example:

Semester 1	Hours	Semester 2	Hours	Semester 3	Hours	Semester 4	Hours
AAAS 801 (required)	3	AAAS 802 (required)	3	AAAS 803 (required)	3	AAAS 804 (required)	3
2 electives	6	2 electives	6	1 elective	3	6 thesis hours or 2 elective courses for non-thesis option	6
Demonstrate research skill competence or begin work toward it		Demonstrate research skill competence or continue work toward it		Demonstrate research skill competence or continue work toward it		Demonstrate meeting research skill competence requirement
	9		9		6		9
Total Hours 33

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate mastery of relevant knowledge in the fields of Africana Studies and Black Studies. This mastery can encompass related fields of Arab Studies and Islamic Studies.
• Articulate an understanding of the nexus of the African continent and African Diasporas and their interconnections with US and global histories, cultures, and socioeconomic systems.
• Understand the development of Africana Studies and academic activism and critique dominant Eurocentric paradigms.
• Apply interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary methods and approaches related to Africana Studies.
• Engage with communities of the African diaspora through research, service learning, community action, or a dialogue on a relevant topic in the field.
• Produce a significant thesis or critical creative project.