African Studies Master’s program at Harvard University

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Master of Arts in African and African American Studies

african-studies

The Department of African and African American Studies offers a graduate degree in African and African American Studies. The program offers rigorous interdisciplinary training in the humanities and the social sciences, with a focus in a disciplinary field, leading to the PhD.

In their first year, students are advised by the director of graduate studies (DGS), who serves as their mentor until they choose an advisor, generally before the beginning of their second year. After consulting with the DGS, a student may change advisors. Students are encouraged to discuss their interests outside of the primary field with faculty from other departments. This process enables students to develop relationships with various faculty members from whom the student will ultimately select a dissertation committee.

Students must take a combination of fourteen courses of which seven must be courses in a primary field.

The department does not admit candidates for a terminal Master of Arts (AM) degree, but students who have met all the course requirements for the degree may petition to be awarded an AM in African and African American Studies.

- Duration
- Credit hours
Yes GRE Required
No Scholarships Available

Composition of student population

34 Female Students
30 Internation Students
47 Graduate Students Enrolled

How does the African Studies Master’s degree program tuition at Harvard University compared with other universities in Massachusetts?

Tuition for Master’s in African Studies program at Harvard University

$50,654 In-state Tuition & Fees
$50,654 Out-of-state Tuition & Fees
UniversityIn state Tuition / Year
African Studies Masters program at Boston University$57,666
African Studies Masters program at Northeastern University$55,452
African Studies Masters program at Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network$24,938
African Studies Masters program at University of Massachusetts-Amherst$16,235

Which other public university offers Master’s program in African Studies in Massachusetts?

Here is the list of top 1 public universities offering African Studies Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
African Studies at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

In-state: $16,235

Out-state: $32,341

Which other private university offers Master’s program in African Studies in Massachusetts?

Here is the list of top 4 private universities offering African Studies Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
African Studies at Boston University$57,666
African Studies at Northeastern University$55,452
African Studies at Clark University$47,730
African Studies at Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network$24,938

Harvard University - Center of African Studies

The Committee on African Studies (CAS) offers a range of grants for students, both on-campus and in Africa, aimed at supporting research, language learning, and experiential opportunities. 

  • Specific mention of Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships for both the academic year and summer is made.
  • The importance of including a letter of support from the organization when applying for an internship grant is emphasized.
  • CAS grants cannot typically be used for travel to High-Risk region countries.
  • Each student is required to submit their own individual application materials, and applications are reviewed separately. Proposals and letters of reference should be tailored to each applicant's academic and professional interests.
  • CAS grantees come from various academic concentrations, but preference is given to students with coursework in African Studies, experience in the region, or relevant language skills related to Africa.

The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) was established by President Derek Bok in 1979 to address the educational disadvantages imposed by apartheid in South Africa. Initially designed for mid-career professionals who were denied access to advanced education, HSAFP now welcomes applicants regardless of ethnicity or race, aligning with the current South African constitution. Fellows are chosen based on their demonstrated skills in their respective fields and their potential to benefit from advanced training.

Key features of the Harvard South Africa fellowship program are:

  • HSAFP aims to draw a broad range of candidates and expand its reach to institutions and organizations across South Africa.
  • Fellows have diverse careers spanning education, law, public health, the arts and humanities, business, and other professions.
  • Many HSAFP fellows have played prominent roles in South Africa upon their return, remaining engaged with the Harvard community both locally and globally.
  • HSAFP offers fellowships for one year of study at Harvard's Professional Schools or Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
  • Tuition waivers are provided by the School once fellows are admitted.
  • Administrative funds, stipends, and airfare for the fellow are provided by the Office of the President and managed by the Center for African Studies, directed by Professor John Mugane.

Eligibility criteria for the Harvard South Africa fellowship program are:

  • Established by Harvard University President Derek Bok in 1979 to address the educational disadvantages imposed by the apartheid system in South Africa.
  • Originally intended for mid-career professionals who were denied access to advanced education due to past laws and resource allocations in South Africa.
  • Open to all South Africans who qualify, with priority given to mid-career applicants from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, including those from rural areas.
  • Ideal candidates are those who aim to model ethical leadership, knowledge sharing, and community improvement. Those solely seeking an advanced degree or professional certification for personal career advancement are not considered ideal candidates.

Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in African Studies

Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 139,600 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $80,560 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 1,276,900.

Universities with similar Graduate Program

Program NameTuition / Year
African Studies Masters program at Johns Hopkins University$59,425
African Studies Masters program at University of Florida$12,737
African Studies Masters program at University of Toledo$16,199
African Studies Masters program at SUNY at Albany$13,435