M.A. Program
Source: https://afam.ucla.edu/academics/graduate-study/m-a-program/ Parent: https://afam.ucla.edu/
Established in 1980, the Master of Arts Program in African American Studies focuses on the origin of African and diasporic cultures in the United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The program provides a theoretical base of knowledge, exposure to methods of research, and a context for analyzing and interpreting the African diasporic experience, which can be invaluable either in further graduate study or in a specific job or career choice.
Deadline:The deadline to apply for the Af-Am Masters Program for the 2026-2027 school year is December 1st, 2025.
*The GRE is not a requirement of your application *
For applicants and entering students, student financial support funds at UCLA are provided to graduate students in the form of grants, fellowships, traineeships, teaching assistantships, and graduate student researcher appointments. Support based solely on need is also provided, in the form of work-study and loans, through the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.
After exploring options and choosing a specific program, follow the steps on our University’s graduate application process.
M.A. Program Admissions
THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS IN TWO PARTS
Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025 (11.59pm) for the Academic Year of 2026-2027
The two websites you will need are:
- www.grad.ucla.edu
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ONLINE APPLICATION
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TRANSCRIPTS and GRE SCORES (GRE SCORES ARE NOT REQUIRED as of Dec. 2025 application submission date).
Be sure to list the GRE institution code for UCLA 4837 if you do plan to submit your scores. GRE department codes can be found on the GRE website or by contacting prospective departments. If ETS has not assigned a major code to your proposed area of study, instruct them to send your score to your specific department.
2134 Rolfe Hall, UCLA 375 Portola Plaza, P.O. Box 957109
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1545
Departmental Requirements
- Statement of Purpose (Upload 2 pages (2500 KB) about your academic achievements and goals for study at UCLA.
- Application for Fellowship for Entering Graduate Students. GOFP (Graduate Opportunity Fellowship Program). Check this program, along with other fellowships for which you might be eligible in the online list.)
- Diversity Fellowship Application
- Writing Samples- Approximately 6 pages single-spaced. (If you send part of a longer paper, summarize the rest of the paper in the last two paragraphs.)
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendations. Call your professors and double-check that all of your letters of recommendation have really uploaded.
- Transcripts. Call and double-check that all of your transcripts (from EVERY undergrad institution) actually have been sent out. (Pay for rush service, if necessary.) Afro-Am needs two (1) official transcripts, if sent by way of a physical copy.
*** You may choose to upload scanned UNOFFICIAL transcript to expedite the department’s review of your application. This does not replace the need for the OFFICIAL transcript which must be sent in electronically to our Academic Advisor, Eboni Shaw at the email address eshaw@afam.ucla.edu.
***The electronic copy is preferred due to most admissions personnel working remotely***
- Resume (optional but helpful)
- You may upload your resume online.
- Supplementary Information Coversheet
- This is where you may provide extra information about your accomplishment
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
For more information on the M.A. Program in African-American Studies and assistance with the application process, please contact via the number or email below. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in the future. Please do not hesitate to call or email.
Phone Number: 310 825-9821
Email: staff@afam.ucla.edu