MA in Afro-American Studies in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Amherst

The graduate program in Afro-American Studies aims to cultivate scholars and educators who embody the legacy of W. E. B. Du Bois, the department's namesake.
Born in Massachusetts, Du Bois maintained throughout his lifetime that meaningful social justice must be grounded in rigorous academic work, while true scholarly achievement demands active engagement in addressing societal challenges.
In 1996, we became the second independent department to establish a doctoral program in Africana Studies—not as a joint degree with another discipline. Our efforts have earned significant accolades, including the American Historical Association's Equity Award for our outstanding success in recruiting and retaining students and faculty from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. With nearly perfect placement rates for our graduates in academic positions nationwide, our achievements stand unmatched.
By choosing Afro-American Studies at UMass Amherst, you'll become part of a vibrant community with over fifty students pursuing PhDs, MAs, or graduate certificates in African Diaspora Studies. Your peers will include graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Ivy League schools, and international institutions spanning Japan, France, China, Colombia, Brazil, and Austria. Each incoming class forms a supportive cohort that collaborates closely throughout their academic journey.