Master of Arts in International Studies
African Studies – MA4206
African Studies, Center for International Studies
Yamada International House
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740.593.1832
african.studies@ohio.edu
Delivery Mode: Athens Campus
Terms of Entry: Fall only
Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None
Program Overview
The African Studies Program grew out of the excitement emanating from the decolonization of the continent in the mid-1960s and the awareness of the important role Africa could play in world affairs. Today the multi-disciplinary nature of the program allows the student to build a course of study reflecting Africa’s contemporary reality. Themes include the socioeconomic development of the continent in the context of Africa’s grand cultural historical traditions. Students may also view the study of Africa as an excellent case-study of the process of social change in the developing world. Current faculty members have worked in a number of nations throughout Africa including Botswana, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, The Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
The program is normally completed in 4 semesters, or two academic years.
Program Learning Outcomes
The CIS M.A. programs provide students with a strong grounding in core disciplines while giving them the opportunity to form their course of study around their professional and academic goals. Students can enroll in courses offered by a range of schools and departments across the university in disciplines of their interest. This flexible design of graduate curricula supports individualized learning experiences across disciplinary boundaries and allows student to take courses and capstone options that help them achieve and demonstrate the CIS M.A. learning outcomes below:
- Students will be able to synthesize core area or international studies concepts and theories within multiple disciplinary subfields, and acquire the skills to apply and evaluate these concepts to global opportunities and challenges.
- Students will be able to develop effective written and oral communication skills, characterized by the ability to write and present in the styles and forms that are acceptable in the professional world and/or for research in international studies.
- Students will be able to develop an effective research skill and demonstrate it in their capstone experience.
Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates of the African Studies program have gone on to pursue career opportunities all over the world in politics, foreign service, public health, government and non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies, as well as teaching and research.
Further Information
Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/cis/african/program
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements, beyond the university minimum of a 4-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and a TOEFL of 80 or above for non-native English speakers, are 3 letters of recommendation with at least 2 from individuals who can judge academic abilities, an autobiographical sketch providing applicant background, and statement of purpose which addresses why this program. We do not require the GRE exam for admission.
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.
Graduation Requirements
The M.A. in International Studies requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and two or fewer grades below B. Complete the following requirements: