Master of Arts in African Studies/Master of Environmental Science

The joint degree is aimed at students wishing to address the cultural issues rooted in environmental dilemmas. By integrating the study of environmental sciences with a cross-disciplinary exposure to the arts, history, cultures, politics, and development of Africa, students can go on to a doctorate or seek a terminal M.A degree before entering the business world, the media, or government service. The joint degree is strongly supported by the Yale Council on African Studies, and the Macmillan Center. For the Master of Arts Program in African Studies, a student may choose one of the following areas of concentration: history, anthropology, political science, economics, sociology, arts and literatures, languages and linguistics, religion, environmental and development studies. The joint program requires twelve non-YSE courses: two compulsory introductory interdisciplinary seminars, Research Methods in African Studies (AFST 501) and Topics in African Studies (AFST 764), four courses of instruction in an African language, four courses in one of the above areas of concentration, four other approved courses offered in the Graduate School or professional schools, and two terms of Directed Reading and Research (AFST 900 a or b) during which students will complete the required thesis. A student who is able to demonstrate advanced proficiency in an African language may have the language requirement waived and substitute four other approved courses.