Program Overview
The Master of Arts in African and African-American Studies at the University of Kansas explores the histories, cultures and societies in Africa and its diasporas, with due attention to the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The MA program takes two years of full-time study. The program 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 African and African-American Studies MA emphasizes both theoretical inquiry and applied research. Faculty mentors support students in developing independent research agendas that contribute original insights to the field. The program culminates in a thesis or research project.
Distinct among regional African studies master’s programs, KU offers students the opportunity to specialize in African Studies, African-American Studies, or an integrated focus that bridges continental Africa and the broader diaspora. This structure allows students to explore regional expertise while also engaging comparative and global perspectives. Students examine historical foundations alongside contemporary issues.
The master’s in African and African-American Studies also prepares students for public engagement beyond the academy. Coursework emphasizes clear and persuasive communication across scholarly and community audiences. Students may collaborate with cultural institutions, advocacy organizations, and interdisciplinary research centers, translating scholarship into meaningful social impact.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
African and African-American Studies, MAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Department of African and African-American Studies is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Master’s in African and African-American Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in African and African-American studies wil 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.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in African and African-American Studies?
Graduates of the master’s in African and African-American Studies are prepared for diverse and impactful career pathways. According to Lightcast, related roles may include:
- Career Paths: University instructor, Nonprofit director, Policy analyst, Community organizer, Archivist, Public historian
- Top Employers: Cultural institutions, international NGOs, government agencies, colleges and universities, museums, and advocacy organizations
- Job Outlook: Demand is increasing for professionals trained in racial equity, cultural literacy, and global awareness
Median salary ranges typically fall between $58,000–$80,000 depending on experience, industry, and geographic location. Demand continues to grow for professionals with expertise in cultural literacy, racial equity, and global systems.
Tuition and Financial Aid
All applicants are considered on a competitive basis for a limited number of departmental scholarships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships. Funding is not guaranteed.
For current tuition rates and funding options, visit the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.
Admission Requirements
To apply to the master’s in african american studies program at KU, applicants must:
- 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)
Please visit the Graduate Admission page for additional information.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in KU’s African and African-American Studies graduate program benefit from:
- Faculty mentorship from experts in Black Studies and Africana Studies
- Opportunities to study African and diasporic languages such as Arabic, KiSwahili, Wolof, Yorùbá, and Haitian Creole
- Independent thesis/project development aligned with individual research and professional interests
- Engagement with interdisciplinary centers including the Kansas African Studies Center and the Hall Center for the Humanities
- Participation in academic and professional conferences and lectures
Master’s in African and African-American Studies Sample Courses
The curriculum within the master’s in african american studies includes core courses, electives, and research experiences. Sample courses include:
- Introduction to Africana Studies
- Introduction to African-American Studies
- Research Methods in African and African-American Studies
- Language and Society in AfricaIntercultural Communication: The Afro-American
For a full list of courses and program details, visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in African and African-American Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The African and African-American Studies graduate program admits students every other year to maintain its strong cohort model. The next available admission term is Fall 2028. The application will open in early September 2027 with a deadline of January 5, 2028.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
The MA program is designed to be completed in two academic years, but some students, especially those who choose the thesis option, need an additional semester to complete their research and writing.
Is funding guaranteed?
No, the Department of African and African-American Studies cannot guarantee funding. All applicants are considered on a competitive basis for a limited number of scholarships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships.