About Master’s Program,
The M.A. in Pan African Studies examines the neglected and unexplored parts of the African experience, moving the academic conversation beyond the history and legacy of enslavement. Although that work is important, there is more that can be studied. In this program, students examine the multiplicities of the Pan African experience as expressed through history, society and politics. The program’s geographical expertise centers around Africa, the Caribbean and the United States.
The M.A. in Pan African Studies is noted for its unique residency component. Students are required to do a residency via Syracuse Abroad with programs like Paris Noir and Politics in Brazil or through a field site with one of the department’s many institutional partners. Residencies provide students with another type of educational experience integrating theory and practice as they learn and lead in a new context. Experiential learning with and through an external site gives students the opportunity to enhance their research, theory and methods as well as gain valuable experiences for academia, NGOs, government industry or a variety of other post-graduate experiences.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The M.A. in Pan African Studies is a 30-credit program offering students a comprehensive understanding of the global African experience. This interdisciplinary program is structured around:
- Four core courses
- Two electives
- An external site experience
- A thesis
For exact requirements about the M.A. In Pan African Studies, please consult the Course Catalog.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
These awards support graduate training for African American students (US citizens) with outstanding qualifications and are made by the Dean of the Graduate School upon recommendation of the African American Fellowship Committee. These awards are intended for individuals whose graduate study involves the integration of African America/Pan African Studies into their respective field of study. Holders of these fellowships must be full-time matriculated graduate students who have been formally accepted into a graduate degree program of their choice. Each fellowship includes a substantial stipend plus tuition for 30 credits per academic year. Each Fellow is required to choose one three-credit graduate course per semester from the offerings of the Department of African American Studies. AAS Fellows are required to participate in a Fellows Forum in the spring.
Application Requirement,
- Minimum GPA Required: 3.0
- Undergraduate Transcript(s)
- Personal Statement (In this document students should summarize their academic history, career goals, personal background, reasons for applying to the Pan African Studies graduate program and state the name(s) and research interests of department faculty members which aligns with theirs specific academic focus and research plans).
- Resume
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- GRE Examination: Highly recommended, but not required
- Writing Sample: 10-12 pages (Any research paper that the student received an “A” grade centering around African American/ Black/Pan African Studies, Ethnic/Multicultural Studies, Cultural Studies, or Gender/Feminist topics).
- Apply through the Graduate School Applications website.
International Students
- The TOEFL exam is required; scores must exceed 600 (paper), 250 (computer), or 100 (internet).
- Citizens of countries where English is the first language are exempt from the TOEFL exam.
- Submission of undergraduate transcripts is required. All submitted undergraduate transcript should be based on the USA 4.0 ranking system.
- Please complete the following steps if your transcript needs to be converted:
Application Deadline,
Jan 10, 2025
Application Fee,
All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $75.
Application fees may only be paid by credit card
Most major credit cards accepted
