MA in African American studies
| DEGREE TYPE | LEARNING MODE |
|---|---|
|
DEGREE TYPE
Master of Art |
LEARNING MODE
On-Campus |
Gain an advanced understanding of the history, culture, and society of African diaspora. Acquire the expertise you need to achieve your potential in sharing that knowledge with students, politicians, and broader audiences.
30-36
Credit Hours
2
Years to Complete
1
Program Track
Take the next step in your academic and professional career with Morgan. Pursue your future – today.
Achieve Success in African American Studies: Your Path to a Rewarding Career
The MA in African-American Studies from Morgan State University will prepare you for making an impact while teaching at secondary schools or community colleges. You can also pursue careers in journalism, museum or information services, and more.
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Take four core courses and then choose from diverse electives that align with your career goals
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Pursue a concentration in African Diaspora history, or one of your choice; the program includes coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a thesis
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Study on campus in a diverse, supportive, and innovative environment
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Complete your degree in as little as 30 months (or up to 36 months)
Why Morgan?
Legacy
Morgan is the only HBCU in Maryland offering a master’s in African American Studies
20%
We take pride in our diversity and international-friendly community. Over 20% of Morgan students identify as nonblack, coming from the United States or places like Africa, China, Saudi Arabia, and more.
Veteran Friendly School
R2 doctoral university
In 2018, Morgan became a Carnegie-classified R2 doctoral university with high research activity. We are dedicated to supporting students and faculty with innovative research projects.
U.S. News Best HBCU
55K
Over 55,000 Morgan alumni make up a passionate network that spans the United States and beyond. Our graduates become leaders in their communities, their careers, and the world.
Move Forward in Your Professional Career
Now is the perfect time to pursue a Master’s in African American Studies, a discipline that delves into the profound impact of African American culture, history, and society. Whether you're interested in exploring historical narratives, cultural studies, or the African Diaspora, this program will guide you toward your aspirations. We’ll equip you with the knowledge and skills to embark on academic and professional journeys filled with growth and endless possibilities. Become part of a community of scholars and change-makers working to amplify the voices and experiences of African Americans.
Learn In-Demand Skills
Graduates of the MA in African American Studies program build sought-after expertise in research, analysis, writing, and public engagement. These skills prepare students to thrive in careers:
- Research
- Writing
- Analysis
- Teaching
- Public Speaking
Secure Your Ideal Career
Upon earning your MA in African American Studies, you'll be well-prepared to embark on a rewarding career that values research, cultural insight, and social impact. Whether you choose to enter the workforce or pursue further academic endeavors, you’ll find ample opportunities to make a difference. Below are just a few career paths available to you:
- University Professor or Lecturer
- Archivist or Curator
- Museum or Cultural Institution Professional
- Public Historian or Research Analyst
- Librarian or Information Specialist
- Social Justice Advocate or Policy Analyst
These roles span across education, cultural preservation, research, and public service, allowing you to shape the future of African American history, culture, and community empowerment.
Pursue Hands-On Research and Internships
Gain real-world experience in the MA in African American Studies program through archival research, serving as a University Teacher of Record, and internships with institutions like the National Park Service, Smithsonian, and Library of Congress. Students also collaborate on projects such as conducting oral history interviews with African American Forest Service employees. These opportunities, along with networking events and faculty guidance, will help you build a competitive edge and connect with the academic and cultural community in the Baltimore-Washington area.
Discover the MA in African American Studies
Take the next step in your academic journey with the On-Campus MA in African American Studies. Whether you're passionate about history, culture, or social justice, this program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact. Ready to learn more? Contact us today, and we'll provide all the details you need to begin your path to success.
Program Requirements
To earn the Master of Arts in African American Studies, students are required to complete a total of 30 credit hours. The program includes core courses totaling 9 credits, which cover essential subjects such as Historiography and Historical Methods, Historical Writing, and Supervised Research. Students then choose between two options: the thesis or non-thesis route.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Course
HIST 789 |
Title
Supervised Research |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
HIST 799 |
Title
Thesis Defense |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
XXXX - 700 Level Seminar Course |
Title
Any Seminar Course |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
HIST 788 or HIST 789 |
Title
Supervised Research |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
HIST 599 |
Title
Historical Writing |
Credits
3 |
|
Course
HIST 598 |
Title
Historiography and Historical Methods |
Credits
3 |
Achieve Success Like Our Alumni
Graduates of the MA in African American Studies program have gone on to achieve remarkable success in a wide range of fields. Many have secured professorships at prestigious institutions, while others have earned positions at renowned organizations like the Smithsonian. Alumni have also advanced to law school and PhD programs, with several receiving full funding for their doctoral studies. Whether pursuing careers in education, research, or public service, our alumni demonstrate the program’s ability to provide a solid foundation for success.
Financial Aid Makes Things Possible
Choosing the right program is a big decision—and we are here to help you navigate the options available for funding your education. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you may be eligible for Graduate Funding. We also offer two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Both provide special learning opportunities in exchange for a stipend/salary and Tuition Award. In addition, by simply filing your FAFSA each year, you will be able to participate in Federal Plus Loans and Federal Direct Loan Programs. With proper planning, going back to graduate school is more than possible. We are committed to breaking barriers and opening doors for all future students. Contact us to learn more about affordability at Morgan’s School of Graduate Studies.
- Graduate Fellowships and federal Title III Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend and Tuition Award
- Teaching Assistantships offer you the chance to teach and assist with undergraduate courses
- Research Assistantships give you research experience with faculty-led or external projects
- Federal Direct Loan Programs include the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Additional Grants and Scholarships from external sources award free money—so apply early