May 19, 2026  
2026-2028 Graduate Catalog 
    
2026-2028 Graduate Catalog

African American Studies (MA), Curriculum Sequence


The Master of Arts program in African American Studies concentrates on African American and African Diaspora history, society, and culture.  There is a thesis or non-thesis option for the M.A.

Suggested Curriculum Sequence Thesis Option


The typical plan of study requires enrollment in a minimum of nine (9) credit hours per semester to remain full-time. Not every course is offered every semester, and the following plan of study is an illustration. At the initial conference with an advisor, a preliminary plan of study will be established, and this will be reported to the School of Graduate Studies (using the SGS Plan of Study Form) for placement in the student’s official file. At this time, any anticipated exceptions or anticipated transfer credits will be noted. An estimated time for completion of the thesis should be included. 

Year 1, First Semester (Fall, Year 1): 9 Credits


Year 1, Second Semester (Spring, Year 1): 9 Credits


  • XXXX - 500-700 Level History Course (Targeted Elective) 3 Credits
  • XXXX - 500-700 Level History Course (Targeted Elective) 3 Credits
  • XXXX - 500-700 Level History Course (Elective) 3 credits

Year 2, Third Semester ( Fall,Year 2): 9 Credits


  • HIST 788/789: Supervised Research or 700-level History Seminar  3 Credits
  • 500-700 level History or elective Course (Targeted Elective)    3 Credits
  • 500-700 level History or elective Course (Targeted Elective)    3 Credits

Year 2, Fourth Semester (Spring, Year 2): 3 Credits


  • XXXX 797/799 Thesis Guidance / Thesis Defense 3/9** Credits

 

** Note: Upon achieving Master’s Candidacy, the student will continuously register in Fall and Spring terms for HIST 797 (Thesis Guidance) until the Master’s Thesis is completed and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for review.  The course is used only when the curriculum is near completion, and the student is completing the research and writing of the thesis. The course registration maintains the student status as a matriculated, full-time student (student is registered for 3 credit hours and the system reports a full-time 9 credit hour load).  

 

After the Intent to Defend the Master’s Thesis form has been accepted by the School of Graduate Studies, this course registration will be changed to HIST 799 (Thesis Defense) for the given semester and count for 3 credit hours of curricular coursework (HIST 799 will also count for 9 credit hours of load).  Other courses cannot be substituted for HIST 797 (Thesis Guidance). The only eligible grade for HIST 797 (Thesis Guidance) is the grade of “S” and the only acceptable grade for HIST 799 (Thesis Defense) is “P/F” (Pass/Fail).

Total Credit Hours: 30


Suggested Curriculum Sequence Non-Thesis Option


Year 1: First Semester (Fall, Year 1): 9 credits


Year 1: Second Semester (Spring, Year 1): 9 credits


Year 2: Third Semester (Fall, Year 2): 9 credits


Year 2: Fourth Semester (Spring, Year 2): 3 credits


  • XXXX - 500 - 700 level History or Elective Course (Targeted Elective) 3 credits