Africana Studies

The Africana Studies program at Johns Hopkins University offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the history, culture, politics, and social issues of Africa, the African Diaspora, and people of African descent worldwide. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the diverse experiences, contributions, and challenges faced by African and African-descended communities across different historical periods and geographical regions. Students will engage with a variety of disciplines, including history, political science, sociology, anthropology, literature, and the arts, to develop a well-rounded perspective on African and African-American issues. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in academia, public policy, international development, social justice advocacy, and related fields. The program also encourages experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and research projects, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise in African studies, offering mentorship and insights that enrich the learning experience. Graduates of the Africana Studies program at Johns Hopkins University gain unique insights into global African cultures and histories, fostering a nuanced appreciation of the interconnectedness of African and diasporic communities and their influence on global society.

Students who choose to major in Africana Studies must complete at least 33 credit hours of course work in three areas of African Studies - African and African Diaspora Studies, African American Studies, and Urban Studies.  All course must be taken for a letter grade and be completed with a grade of C- or better. 

Sample Program of Study

Honors

Students who wish to do honors in Africana Studies are required to take a two-semester research seminar, in which they will prepare an honors thesis in consultation with a faculty advisor in the student’s particular area of interest and the faculty coordinator of the undergraduate research seminar. The research seminar will provide guidance on research design, methodology, and analysis and presentation of findings, and give students an opportunity to discuss one another’s projects, share experiences, and receive constructive comments from their peers as well as the faculty coordinator.

In selecting research topics and collecting materials, students are encouraged to explore resources outside those immediately available on campus. With its rich collection of museums and archives, large and historic African-American communities, and growing populations of recent migrants from Africa, the Baltimore-Washington area offers many opportunities for research in Africana Studies. Students who wish to undertake research in Africa or in African American or African diasporic communities beyond the local area will be encouraged to take advantage of summer research grants and/or study abroad opportunities available at Hopkins. The center will work with other departments and programs at Hopkins on behalf of students who wish to combine their research in Africana Studies with work in another field or ongoing program, such as the joint Minority Health Program recently established by the School of Public Health and Morgan State University.

• Application and Supplement
• $70 nonrefundable application fee or fee waiver
• Signed Early Decision Agreement
• Secondary School Report
• SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Test
• Mid-year Report*
• TOEFL or IELTS results (recommended)
• International Certification of Finances Form and Bank Statement

Scholarships

Both need- and merit-based financial assistance is available for international applicants, although both types of assistance are limited. The admissions process for international students is need-aware, meaning the offer of admission is directly linked to the student’s ability to meet expenses. 

Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program that explores the histories, cultures, politics, and social issues of people of African descent across the globe. The program is designed to foster a deep understanding of the African diaspora, emphasizing critical analysis and engagement with contemporary and historical issues affecting African and African-descended populations. Students have the opportunity to study a diverse range of topics, including African history, literature, languages, art, political science, and sociology, often integrating perspectives from various disciplines to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of African and diasporic experiences. The curriculum encourages active research, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in academia, public service, international relations, community development, and other fields that benefit from an informed understanding of African and African-American communities.

Johns Hopkins University’s Africana Studies program also emphasizes experiential learning, offering internships, community engagement projects, and study abroad opportunities to connect students with real-world situations and enhance their practical skills. The faculty consists of renowned scholars dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue on issues such as racial justice, social equity, history, literature, and global development. Through seminars, research initiatives, and collaborative events, students are encouraged to develop their unique perspectives and contribute to ongoing conversations about race, identity, and social justice. The program is suitable for students interested in understanding the legacy of African civilizations and the contemporary realities faced by African-descended peoples worldwide, fostering a deep sense of cultural appreciation, social responsibility, and academic inquiry. Completion of the program equips students with critical analytical skills and a broad understanding of global issues related to Africa and the African diaspora, often serving as a foundation for further graduate study or careers impacting policy, education, and community leadership.