PhD in African American Studies in Evanston United States | Northwestern University

For centuries, the social sciences and humanities primarily focused on Western nation-states and the intellectual traditions of Europe and America. The emergence of Black Studies in the 1960s marked a turning point, confronting the oversight of Atlantic slavery, Western colonialism, and systemic racism while pioneering research into Black cultural expressions, political movements, and modern racial dynamics. This foundational era established enduring academic pathways and reinforced the richness of Black intellectual thought through nationally focused and historical scholarship.

Northwestern University's Black Studies PhD program brings together faculty with wide-ranging expertise in the global experiences, histories, and cultural contributions of African diaspora communities. Our interdisciplinary approach is evident in both current course offerings and future academic plans. The department maintains strong collaborations with numerous programs across the university, spanning Anthropology, African Studies, American Studies, Art History, Asian American Studies, Comparative Literary Studies, English, Gender Studies, History, Latino/a Studies, Performance Studies, Theatre and Drama, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Political Science, Sociology, and more. Doctoral candidates in Black Studies can pursue graduate certificates in Gender Studies or African Studies, or engage with the Interdisciplinary Cluster Initiative to build cross-departmental connections throughout their Northwestern academic journey.