Admission Requirements
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We do not require the GRE exam for admission. However, applicants are welcome to submit scores if they have taken the exam.
For full consideration, please submit a complete application and all supporting documents by Jan 1. A complete application includes the following materials:
- Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent: Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association, or an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from a college or university recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or Commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned. Please review the International Credential Requirements if you attended a higher education institution outside of the United States.
- Official transcripts: Applicants are required to submit one (1) official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, regardless of whether or not a degree was earned or the credits are reflected on a separate transcript as transfer credit. If original documents are not in English, applicants must also provide an official, certified copy of all documents translated into English. Failure to provide all documents will result in delays in processing your application materials.
- Diploma and/or Degree Certificate: If the submitted transcript does not specifically name the degree earned, and the date it was earned, applicants must submit a registrar’s office (or equivalent office) certified or attested copy of the degree diploma and/or degree certificate.
- Application Fee: The non-refundable fee is $50 for US applicants or $55 for international applicants. Applications cannot be processed and reviewed until the application fee is paid.
- Letters of recommendation. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. At least two should be from people who can judge your academic abilities and capacity for success in this master’s program.
- Statement of Purpose: Applicants must submit a two-page statement of purpose. This should be treated as one of the most important items in your application package. In the statement, you should discuss your educational and professional goals, and how the African Studies program will help you meet those goals. Applicants should be specific in discussing aspects of their background that have led them to the program and how the program can support their future professional and/or academic goals.
- Resume or Curriculum Vita: This should also be treated as one of the most important items in your application package. It should list information about your academic background, professional and/or internship experience, and academic and/or professional accomplishments (such as conference presentations, publications, internships, volunteer work, prizes, honors, awards, etc.).
- Autobiographical Sketch: This is a one-page personal statement that describes your life. It should highlight your experiences and how they influenced your decision to apply to the program.
- English Language Proficiency Requirements: This program has English proficiency requirements for non-native English speakers that are higher than the minimum university requirements. The minimum scores for the M.A. in African Studies are TOEFL of 80+. See Ohio University’s English Language Proficiency requirements. If your level of proficiency is not at the minimum level, you will be required to enroll in the Ohio Program of Intensive English. Financial aid cannot be used to pay for English language courses; you will have to cover the cost yourself.
Note: You do not need to select an advisor on the application form. You can leave those fields empty.
International Applicants
The African Studies Program has historically attracted and immensely valued students from all over the world. See International Students Admissions.
International applicants need to submit a financial support form. It is recommended, but not required, to submit the financial support form with the application document. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services require that Ohio University establish that students have sufficient funds for the first year of study before a Form I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility can be issued. If you are admitted, then having a complete Financial Support Form on file will speed up processing of your Certificate of Eligibility.
For additional information regarding the application process to the Center for International Studies, please email international.studies@ohio.edu.
Application Deadline
Because of the number of core courses offered during the first (fall) semester, and our commitment to building a learning community in which students work together both inside and outside class, we only accept applications for entry during the fall semester, which typically begins the last week of August.
To be fully considered for financial aid and admission, the deadline for applications is Jan. 1. An applicant’s files will typically not be reviewed until all supporting documents, such as official transcripts and TOEFL scores, have been received.
