Africana Studies MA degree offers a broad interdisciplinary curriculum in the study of Africans and Afro-descendants globally, focusing mainly in the following geographical areas: Africa, North America, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Students can concentrate in any one of these areas, compare and contrast between two or more areas, or take courses in all five of these areas.
The Africana Studies masters degree can be completed in three semesters of full-time study distributed as follows: semester 1) the required Pro-seminar in African and African Diasporic History and Culture, plus two approved courses; semester 2) three Africana Studies approved courses; semester 3) either, two 4 credits Directed Readings courses or two other 4 credit courses, in addition to a masters thesis. Africana Studies masters degree can also be pursued part-time. Joint degrees with other disciplines are also available.
Capstone project, Internships
The Capstone would provide students with both a critical learning experience and an opportunity to research nationally or abroad, in an Africana Studies topic of their choosing. Once the Africana Studies focus shifts to geographical areas, the capstone project should then fit the student's geographical area of interest.
JOINT MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM IN AFRICANA STUDIES/ECONOMICS
The goal of this program is to help students develop social science skills that can be used to better society in the public and private spheres, specifically in the support of African and African Diasporic communities. The program provides students with a social science background in economics and Africana studies. Students analyze development economics, politics, and other social sciences and gain a broader perspective of how these disciplines apply to Africa and the African Diaspora. The curriculum consists of 36 credits of required courses from both economics and Africana studies, as well as elective courses from other social science disciplines, such as politics, or from other schools at NYU, such as the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. The final requirement is either a master's thesis or a special project associated with an internship conducted at a site involving the application of social science knowledge and principles to African affairs. While this program specifically targets African students, others with interest in this interdisciplinary connection between Africana studies and economics are encouraged to apply.
CONCENTRATION IN MUSEUM STUDIES
This concentration requires the completion of 36 points (16 in museum studies), a master's thesis, and a full summer internship in a museum or cultural institution. Those planning to work as museum professionals with collections in museums, historic houses and sites, and government agencies relating to African and African Diasporic history and culture, literature, and politics — are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact the Program in Africana Studies, 212-992-9650, or the Program in Museum Studies, 212-998-8080.
