Africana Women's Studies, M.A.

Credits: 30
CIP Code: 50299

Program Overview

The Africana Women's Studies Program, founded in 1982, is the only degree-granting women's studies program located in a historically Black college in the United States, the only women's studies program in the United States which offers the doctoral degree concentration in Africana Women's Studies and one of only two Africana Women's Studies program in the world. This program focuses mainly on the comparative examination of the contributions, problems, strategies and concerns of Africana women. Analytical approaches that rigorously compare and contrast the lives of all women by class, age, and color without regard to their geographic location are strongly encouraged.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements as published in this Catalog, applicants to the Master of Arts degree in Africana Women's Studies must have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in twenty-four (24) credits of undergraduate study in an established discipline in the humanities, social sciences, or professional fields. Applicants with less than the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate major but who otherwise show excellent promise of success may be conditionally admitted with the recommendations of the Department Admissions Committee and the Department Chair.  A GRE score is required.

Program Objectives

1. To provide a comprehensive knowledge of concepts and theories related to gender, class and racial bias of Africana women.
2. Prepare graduates for diverse professions in education, research, government and civic services that require an understanding of the role of Africana women.
3. Equip educators with knowledge and sensitivity to the teachings and contributions of Africana women.
4. Prepare students for opportunities in continuing or advanced studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students pursuing the Master of Arts Degrees in Africana Women’s Studies will:

1. Define and discuss the role of women and identify issues specific to African Diaspora cultures.
2. Apply theoretical knowledge of Afrocentricity, Afrocentric historiography, and the history of African people with emphasis on women nationally and globally to construct a research-based thesis or nonthesis project.
3. Identify and communicate effectively in written and oral formats concerns related to the problems, strategies and contributions of Africana women.
4. Conduct systematic comparison of the lives of all women by class, age, color, and geographic location.

AAS Degree Requirements

In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog, students pursuing the Master of Arts Degree in Africana Women’s Studies may select a thesis or a non-thesis option at the time of admission to the degree program. Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete two capstone courses and submit written projects demonstrating knowledge of the thesis preparation process. Students may only take two (2) directed studies courses. A written comprehensive examination is required. An oral defense of the thesis or non-thesis project is required.

Africana Women’s Studies, M.A.

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Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete both Capstone I & II courses.