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Dancers of the National Dance Company of Ghana and Ohio University perform in a dance  concert on College Green on March 23, 2022. The performance was a part of OU’s Global Arts Festival.
M.A. in African Studies
Understanding Contemporary Realities, Imagining Global Futures

M.A. in African Studies

Ohio University's African Studies Program explores the African continent's emerging aspirations and trajectories in the 21st century.

  • The program was founded in 1964 amidst the excitement emanating from the decolonization of the continent and the awareness of the important role Africa could play in world affairs.
  • Today, we examine African futures through research on political and economic developments, medical and technological innovations, sociocultural transformations, literary and artistic productions, and environment and sustainability initiatives.
  • The program focuses on themes of dynamism and resiliency in relation to African and African diasporic peoples.

Careers with an African Studies Master's Degree

This program prepares students for careers in international development, diplomacy and foreign affairs, business and entrepreneurship, academic research, cultural and creative industries, environmental and sustainability consulting, non-profit management, technology and innovation, and media and journalism.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The African Studies M.A. program offers competitive tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships on the basis of merit, including previous academic performance and/or post-graduation professional experience.

Applicants wishing to be considered for financial aid should complete the financial aid section on the graduate application. Graduate Assistantship (GA), Teaching Assistantships (TA), and Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (GRS) awards are granted for one year, with renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance in academic and service obligations.

Graduate Assistantship (GA), Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (GRS) awards are granted for one year, with renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance in academic and service obligations.

Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships require a minimum academic course load of 12 graduate credits each semester and include a full tuition scholarship and stipend (variable) for 15-20 weekly hours of service to the program as assigned. The student is responsible for the remainder of semester fees. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain the assistantship.

Graduate Recruitment Scholarships

Graduate Recruitment Scholarships require a minimum academic course load of 12 graduate credits each semester and include a partial tuition scholarship and stipend of $975 per semester for 5 weekly hours of service to the program as assigned. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain the scholarship.

Deadline for Consideration 

For full consideration for financial assistance, a completed application and all supporting documents must be received by Jan. 1. Later applications will be considered, but decisions will be contingent upon availability. Admission to the program is a prerequisite for all awards. 

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program. International students can include financial aid awards to meet the estimated expenses on the Financial Support form.

More about Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Estimated International Student Expenses

Alumna Amie Bah '23 Put Civic Engagement to Work

Amie Bah '23M, who earned a B.A. in Development Studies at the University of The Gambia, worked in civil society with different organizations, including Fulbe Africa. 

Her research interest revolves around government, civic-engagement, and development. She is interested in looking at how governments utilize social media and instant messaging as part of their e-government initiatives.

She also interned with Envision by World Strides

Amie Bah, portrait

Graduation Requirements

Full Graduation Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

The African Studies M.A. Program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and no more than two grades below B, and a capstone project. 

More about Courses & Resources

Contact Us

African Studies Faculty Directory

Director: Dr. Ghirmai Negash

African Studies Program
Yamada International House 56 E. Union St.
Athens, Ohio 45701

Email: negashg@ohio.edu or international.studies@ohio.edu

Telephone: 740-593-1832

Yamada International House is on Ohio University College Green, at the top of Jefferson Hill and near Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.

We invite you to stop into our office during normal business hours to learn more about the African Studies program, as well as our other international programs.

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