The Masters of Arts degree requires the completion of 30 points, of which at least 24 must be within SCA. No more than 6 points may be transferred from other graduates schools. Students must take Proseminar in Africana Studies, AFRS-GA 2000, and SCA Proseminar: The Art of Research, AMST-GA 3310, in their first year and achieve a grade of B or better.
Capstone: To qualify for the M.A. degree, students must write a thesis at the conclusion of their final semester of coursework. By the beginning of the second semester students should select their thesis project advisor and confirm topic choice with advisor. By the end of the second semester students should submit a Thesis Proposal with summer research plan and chapters outlined. A first draft of the thesis should be submitted no later than two months into intended term of graduation (ex. Nov. for January graduates; March for May graduates). A final draft (approved by the advisor and a second reader) is due no later than two weeks prior to graduation deadline. The M.A. thesis should be based upon original research and should approximately 40 to 60 pages in length and determined in consultation with your thesis advisor.
Concentration in Museum Studies: A concentration in Museum Studies is also available to students in the M.A. program. Those planning to work as museum professionals with collections in museums, historic houses and sites, and government agencies relating to black history and culture, literature, and politics are encouraged to apply. Students take 18 points in Africana studies coursework including Proseminar in Africana Studies, AFRS-GA 2000, SCA Proseminar: The Art of Research, AMST-GA 3310, and 10 points worth of Africana studies electives, and 16 points in museum studies coursework including two courses from History and Theory of Museums, MSMS-GA 1500, Museum Collections and Exhibitions, MSMS-GA 1501, and Museum Management, MSMS-GA 1502, plus 8 points worth of museum studies electives. In addition, students choosing the concentration must complete a full summer internship in a museum or cultural institution (non-credit). All other requirements for the M.A. with concentration are the same as the standard M.A.