Applicants must submit a written statement of the reasons for their interest in Africana Studies, their motivation to pursue a graduate degree, and their professional goals and objectives. The Africana Studies Graduate Program Committee will review the essay part of the application carefully. The Committee wants to know why applicants are interested in applying to the program and how the degree will make sense in the overall career path. Essay should be 800-1200 words.
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Letters of recommendation from three (3) people familiar with the candidate's academic record and/or professional achievement
A writing sample of 15 to 20 pages demonstrating the applicant's ability to do critical research and writing

Applicants should have an overall undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0 = A). Applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or higher in their undergraduate major. Individuals who apply during the final year of undergraduate or current graduate work and are unable to supply transcripts showing the conferral of the degree will be admitted pending the conferral of the degree.

If English is not an applicant's first language, then the applicant must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all foreign applicants. A minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (TOEFL iBT) is required for consideration for admission. IELTS score of 7.0 overall.