The African Studies 4+1 Pathway allows exceptional undergraduate students at Indiana University Bloomington the opportunity to earn an M.A. degree in the transdisciplinary African Studies Program in only one year beyond the traditional four-year B.A. or B.S.
It is designed principally for students who are seeking to develop intellectual and professional expertise across the African continent to accompany the more generalized training they receive through their undergraduate degrees. The program caters to students interested in a range of professional fields, including government, private business, media, and the non-profit sector as well as those pursuing academic and research-oriented careers. Combined with advanced competence in languages spoken on the African continent, this program will make students highly competitive for further graduate study or employment in various governmental, non-profit, and private sector positions.
Requirements for the Pathway
Students must satisfy all requirements for a baccalaureate degree in the College of Arts Sciences while maintaining a GPA of at least 3.000. While graduate courses are typically taken before completion of the baccalaureate degree, they cannot be applied to both the graduate and undergraduate degree. The graduate-level courses will apply to the graduate degree once the baccalaureate degree has been conferred. Students must also satisfy all the Graduate School's requirements for the Master of Arts in African Studies.
Pathway Admission
Students interested in pursuing this pathway must apply during their sophomore or junior year. Applications will be accepted during both the Fall and Spring terms. Students should make an appointment to meet with the African Studies Program’s Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), Dr. Amoah-Ramey (namoa@iu.edu) before beginning the application process. Applicants should meet the following requirements before beginning the process:
- College GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.000.
- IUB General Education. Successful completion of all IUB General Education requirements.
- Africa Content Course. At least three (3) credits in a course with 25% or more of Africa content.