The Department of PAS Master of Arts program provides an opportunity for structured graduate study in the multi-disciplinary field of Pan African Studies. Our faculty come from a variety of disciplines, yet the program has the explicit intent of producing individuals who will be well-prepared to function as both culturally informed scholars and activists.
Admissions
Admission to the Program is a two-step process. Applicants must meet the requirements for both steps.
1. University Admission Requirements
Both domestic and international applicants must apply for the MA program through Cal State Apply by the application deadline listed on the Admission website.
Please refer to the Graduate & Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements Section on the Admission chapter in the Catalog.
2. Department Admission Requirements
Preference will be given to applicants with undergraduate degrees and extensive course work in Pan African Studies (Black Studies, African American, or Africana Studies).
Submit the following materials through the Cal State Apply website by the posted application deadline:
- a minimum of three letters of recommendation, including at least two from professors; and
- a writing sample: well-developed term paper or research paper between 10 and 20 pages in length; and
- a personal statement outlining interests and objectives in Pan-African Studies graduate work and other relevant experiences that would pertain to your graduate career (2-3 pages); and
- a resume or vita.
Application instructions can be found on the department website. For clarification questions, prospective students may contact Ms. Jill Grayson at jgrayso3@calstatela.edu.
Requirements for the Degree
1. 30 units are required for the degree, with at least 27 units from 5000-level PAS coursework, including a Thesis or Project.
2. All students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing in the program.
Refer to the University Requirements for Master’s Degree page in this Catalog for the university requirements.
Learning Outcomes Roadmap (2023)