Master of Arts Program in Africana Studies
The master’s degree in Africana studies can be pursued full
time or part time. Full-time students are required to satisfactorily complete
32 points of graduate course work distributed as follows: semester 1) the required
Proseminar Black History and Culture plus two additional Africana studies
courses; semester 2) either three Africana studies courses, or two Africana
studies courses and one Directed Readings course; and semester 3) either two 4-point Directed Readings courses, one 4-point Directed
Readings course plus one other 4-point course, or two other 4-point courses, in
addition to a master’s thesis.
To qualify
for the M.A. degree, students must either write a thesis or take a
comprehensive examination at the conclusion of their final semester of work.
Internships in institutions and organizations in New York City may be taken for 4 points.
Students are assigned advisers to assist them in arranging courses for their
area of study and in the supervision of their thesis or comprehensive exam.
JOINT MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM IN AFRICANA STUDIES AND
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 diaspora
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. Students can earn a Master of Arts in this program by taking 32
points over three terms. The curriculum consists 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 black 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.
