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.
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.
Meet the Director
For many African writers, censorship can entail a lived experience as well as a current threat. Dr. Ghirmai Negash danced close to the flame of censorship several times before arriving at Ohio University.
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.
Alumna Amie Bah '23 Put Civic Engagement to Work
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.
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.