Prospective MA Students

Click Here for a look at the 2008-2009 M.A. Students' Profiles!

Course Requirements

The MA degree requires completion of a minimum of 45 graduate units over three academic quarters. Upon entering the program wach student is assigned a faculty advisor who works with the student is assigned a faculty advisor who works with the student to develop a cohesive program of study. In consulation with their advisors students choose one of three specializations:

• Culture and Society
• Health, Well-Being and the Environment
• Political Economy and Security

During the year all students take three courses together: an interdisciplinary course in the autum quarter entitled The Dynamics of Change in Africa; a three quarter sequence on Contemporary Issues in African Studies; and a research workshop in the spring quarter in which students present on research or research proposals developed over the year.

In addition to these core courses, students take three courses in their area of specialization, one from each of the other two specializations, two elective courses and one full year (three quarters) of an African language.

Thesis Option: Students may count 10 units of thesis research performed under the guidance of an Africanist faculty member towards thier specialization units.

Recommended Language Training: Students are strongly encouraged to complete a course of intensive language training at the Summer Cooperative African Language Institute (SCALI) or similar program during the summer immediately preceding enrollment at Stanford University.

Admissions: How to Apply

Stanford University only accepts applications online. Please visit http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu to create an application account. The GRE is required of all applications, regardless of nationality. Applicants who completed their undergraduate degrees in a non-English speaking environment must also submit TOEFL scores.

In addition, applications must provide directly to CAS:

• Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
• A 500-word statement of purpose
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• One 15-20 page double-spaced sample of academic writing
• Three letters of recommendation

Please send these application materials to:

NB: Preference will be given to candidates with experience working, living or studying in Africa and to those who have a command of an African language, French, Portuguese or Arabic. Stanford co-terminal applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and will be expected to have the same experience in Africa as other applicants. All applicants must meet all Stanford University admission requirements.

Financial Aid

The Center for African Studies offers a limited number of Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who undertake full-time study of an African language. These very competitive fellowships are also available for summer study of an African language. For more information on fellowships offered by CAS can be found under the fellowships tab on the menu.

 For Further Information

Prospective Students can come to the Center for African Studies office in Encina Hall West Room 209. You can also send are email to Laura Hubbard at  africanstudies [at] stanford [dot] edu.