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ClosedPhD
PhD of African and African American Studies
- Cambridge, United States
- English
- On campus
- PhD
About the program
Interdisciplinary study of the histories, Cultures and experiences of African-descended communities in the US and worldwide.
Program highlights
- Internship available: no
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Develop foundational and applied understanding of African and African American Studies. Practice critical evaluation and communication in the subject. Apply relevant academic or professional methods in appropriate contexts.
Career outcomes
- Case manager
- Editorial director
- Human services professional
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Non-profit executive
- Professor
- Teacher
Curriculum
- Draws on sociology
- Political science
- Anthropology
- Religion and culture. Includes undergraduate research with faculty through ASPIRE
- The Engaged Citizen Program and an HSS 3+3 pre-law route (bachelor's and law degree in six years). Concentrations and courses are not listed.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Bachelor degree or equivalent (three- or four-year degree for international applicants)
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation and statement of purpose
- GRE
- Writing sample and personal statement depend on the programme
- TOEFL iBT 5 (Speaking 4.5) or IELTS 7 (Speaking 6.5) unless the undergraduate degree was taught in English.
Accepted academic background
Bachelor degree or equivalent (for international applicants a three- or four-year degree from an institution of recognised standing).
Language tests
- TOEFL iBT 5 (new 1-6 scale
- IELTS 95 on the old 120 scale for tests before 2026-01-21) with Speaking 4.5 (23 old scale)
Documents you’ll need
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Test Results
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation Letters.
How to apply
- Check the programme page for requirements and the deadline
- Which varies by programme. Apply online in the GSAS Applicant Portal opens in September
- Fall admission only and pay the 105 USD fee by credit card
- Waivers are available. Upload transcripts
- Three recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency
- a writing sample or GRE where the programme asks. Visa documents are not needed at application
- Admitted international students receive visa information later.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $37,200 USD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $105 USD |
| Deposit | $500 USD |
Program details
| Campus | Cambridge |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences |
| Department | Department of African and African American Studies |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | _ |
| Study pace | Fixed |
| Post-study stay | 1 year |
| Scholarship note | Applicants may be considered for institutional awards subject to program-specific and international-student eligibility. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
September 2027
Applications closed
12 Jan 2026
Closed
Frequently asked questions
Tuition is $37,200 USD per year. The application fee is $105 USD. The deposit is $500 USD. The estimated living cost is $35,966 USD.
Accepted language tests: TOEFL iBT 5 (new 1-6 scale, IELTS 95 on the old 120 scale for tests before 2026-01-21) with Speaking 4.5 (23 old scale).