Overview

The American Studies and Ethnicity (African American Studies) at the University of Southern California provides a comprehensive exploration of the African American experience within the broader context of the United States. This programme integrates humanistic and social scientific perspectives to examine the complex history, culture, and social issues of the region. Students engage with a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking regarding racial, ethnic, and gender inequalities.

Why American Studies and Ethnicity (African American Studies) at University of Southern California?

The University of Southern California offers a unique approach by housing American Studies and Ethnic Studies within a single department. This structure allows for a deeply comparative and interethnic programme that utilises the cultural resources of Los Angeles. Students benefit from the university's location on the Pacific Rim, providing a cosmopolitan backdrop for studying social and cultural changes. The department also offers a dedicated honors programme for high-achieving students, involving a two-semester senior capstone experience and a faculty-directed thesis project.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 73260 per year
National fee: USD 73260 per year
Local fee: USD 73260 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on theoretical and empirical debates surrounding race, class, gender, and sexuality. Students develop research skills across the humanities and social sciences. Modules may include:

American Studies and Ethnicity
African American Studies
Junior Seminar
Honors Senior Seminar
Honors Thesis
Senior Capstone Experience

Careers with American Studies and Ethnicity (African American Studies)

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths by developing the ability to evaluate empirical evidence and analyse complex social issues. The programme emphasises the application of knowledge through internships and public service, specifically related to social justice and community engagement. This training supports careers in public policy, community organisation, education, and research, where a deep understanding of American cultural and material practices is essential.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The African-American Experience

Advanced Topics in African-American History

African American Art

African American Culture and Society

Blackness in American Visual Culture

African-American Poetry and Drama

The Psychology of African Americans

Race and Environmentalism.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-10 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Los Angeles, United States

Disciplines

Ethnic Studies American and Australasian studies African studies View 258 other Bachelors in African studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official Test Scores
Transcripts: First-year applicants should submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed.
Letter(s) of Recommendation: One letter is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school. Applicants to the School of Cinematic Arts must submit three letters of recommendation.
Portfolio, resumé and/or additional writing samples: if required by major. Performance majors may also require auditions. Refer to the Additional Application Requirements section, below, for more information.
Submit your fall grades (when available)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Out-of-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year

Living costs

Los Angeles

United States

1520 - 2570 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for American Studies and Ethnicity (African American Studies).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Los Angeles

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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