Overview

The African - American Studies programme at Columbia University provides a comprehensive academic framework for investigating the intellectual, social, and cultural history of people of African descent. Students engage with the complexities of the African diaspora, exploring political movements, diverse belief systems, and the persistent challenges of racial inequality. This curriculum fosters a deep understanding of how these historical forces continue to shape the contemporary global landscape.

Why African - American Studies at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution allows students to benefit from a rich tradition of research and activism. The department is home to distinguished faculty and offers unique opportunities for original scholarship through the Institute for Research in African American Studies. Students have access to prestigious departmental honours and awards, such as the Ralph Johnson Bunche Award and the Ella Baker Prize, which recognise leadership and academic excellence. The programme's location in New York City provides an unparalleled backdrop for studying the Harlem Renaissance and urban social movements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide both interdisciplinary breadth and disciplinary depth. Students begin with foundational core courses before focusing on a designated area of study in their final years. Modules may include:

African-American Studies
Major Debates in African-American Studies
Blackness and Frenchness
African-American Music
Black Intellectuals
Popular Music/Protest Movements
Criminal Justice and the Carceral State
Third World Studies
Black Feminist Imaginaries

Careers with African - American Studies

Graduates are equipped with versatile liberal arts skills, including archival research, investigative analysis, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups. This preparation is highly valued across various professional sectors. Potential career paths include:

Public relations and journalism
Government and social services
Politics and policy analysis
Business and corporate diversity management
Academic research and higher education

The major also serves as an excellent foundation for students intending to pursue advanced graduate degrees or Ph.D. programmes in the humanities and social sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Protest Music and Popular Culture

Third World Studies

Topics in The Black Experience

Race and the Articulation of Difference

Harlem Renaissance

African-American Literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

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

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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 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

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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