Overview

Features

This Africana Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania insists that African peoples, as they have moved into different geopolitical circumstances, have developed and maintained a plurality of political strategies which cut across (but are also influenced by) a variety of religious, national, and cultural boundaries.

By working to complicate and particularize what we know as "African identity," we hope to re-imagine the ways that African and African descendant peoples have worked to establish and maintain a coherent set of cultural and symbolic practices. Our approach is in conversation with disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, but differs from them in the conceptualization of an interdisciplinary methodology.

In other words, while we encourage in-depth knowledge of and training in traditional disciplines, one of the major intellectual goals of the program is the development of an interdisciplinary method and vocabulary for the study of the interconnections between Africa and peoples of African descent around the globe.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Proseminar in Africana Studies
Cultural and Literary Theory of Africa and the African Diaspora
Africa and African Diaspora Thought
Political Economy and Social History of Africa and the African Diaspora

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

African studies View 14 other PhDs in African studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

When reading applications, we consider every element of the application carefully, in particular:

The match between the applicant's intellectual interests and the strengths of our faculty.
The academic record, with close attention to grades in history and related subjects.
The recommendations of three faculty members.
Statement of Purpose (2 pages).
GRE scores. GRE scores are considered with the totality of the application. Alone, they do not determine the admissibility of a student.
TOEFL/TSE scores, if applicable.

A writing sample is a required part of the application (15-20 pages). The writing sample should be one paper and should match the applicant's disciplinary concentration.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

44792 USD / year

≈ 44792 USD / year
Out-of-State

44792 USD / year

≈ 44792 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

44792 USD / year

≈ 44792 USD / year

Additional Details

Most of our PhD programs are fully funded, meaning the program will pay for your tuition and fees, as well as provide you with a minimum stipend of $39,425.

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Africana Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Philadelphia

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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