BA

African American and African Diaspora Studies

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Key facts

  • Program
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    59,016USD
  • Start date
    Jan, Aug, May, Sep

Program overview

What American University says about their program:

This program emerges from a rich, distinguished, and exciting past that continues to influence our present realities. The black communities in both the New and Old Worlds have been essential to the story of human history; studying these peoples in all forms and consequences is a foundational moral and educational necessity.

The African American and African Diaspora Studies program offers a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum that provides students with an understanding of the historical and contemporary realities of African-descended peoples in the United States and across the diaspora. Students explore Black social movements and race politics, racial ideologies and critical race theory, and the distinctive artistic, literary, cultural practices of African peoples worldwide.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Applicants to bachelor’s degree programs must have obtained a secondary school diploma. This diploma must be eligible to access further academic studies in the country where it has been obtained

Graduate academic requirements

  • An undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university.

English requirements

Undergraduate

  • TOEFL iBT

    85 (no band less than 20)

  • IELTS

    6.5 (no band less than 6.0)

  • Duolingo

    120 (no band less than 110)

  • PTE

    60

  • CAE

    176 (no band less than 169)

Graduate

  • TOEFL iBT

    100

  • IELTS

    7.0

  • Duolingo

    120

  • PTE

    68

English proficiency waiver

Undergraduate

  • Student comes from English native speaking country
  • SAT Reading Test sub-score of 30 or higher (taken after 3/1/2016)
  • ACT English score of 25 or higher
  • Four years of study (grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 or equivalent) in U.S. regionally-accredited or IB, CXC or UK curricula (inside or outside the U.S.), where English is the only medium of instruction AND no ESL courses have been taken
  • Four years of study (grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 or equivalent) in selected English-speaking countries or in the educational systems of these countries (regardless of location) where English is the only medium of instruction AND no ESL courses have been taken.

Graduate

  • Student comes from English native speaking country
  • Earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a US-accredited university in or outside the US.
  • Earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university outside the US (by a non-US accrediting body) where English is the only language of instruction. The university is located in a country where English is the only or one of the official languages of that country according to CIA World Factbook.

Documents required

Undergraduate

  • Application form
  • Academic requirements
  • Diploma of previous studies
  • Translations
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Copy of passport
  • Although only one letter of recommendation from a teacher is required with your application, we strongly encourage you to submit a second letter of recommendation from your school’s university counselor, principal, or headmaster
  • Interruption of Studies Statement if you have already graduated from secondary school at the time of application.
  • Bank letter showing funds for first year of study and living expenses

Graduate

  • Application form
  • Academic requirements
  • Diploma of previous studies
  • Translations
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Copy of passport
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or CV
  • GRE
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Portfolio or Writing Sample
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Fees and funding

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    USD$55,724 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    USD$34,596 per year

  • MBA Program

    USD$46,128 per year

  • Master of Law (LLM)

    USD$36,704 per year

  • Pathway programs

    USD$22,302 per program

Funding

Undergraduate

Emerging Global Leader Scholarship The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship promotes educational access and opportunity while enhancing international diversity. Bringing together the best of AU - academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement - the AU Emerging Global Leader achieves, inspires, and serves with vision.

  • Amount

    Covers all billable AU expenses (full tuition, room, and board) for one international student who will need a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States. The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses

  • Requirements

    International students who have overcome various obstacles and challenges as well as those from diverse and underrepresented global and socioeconomic backgrounds. A minimum 3.8 GPA equivalent out of 4.0 GPA (or in the top 10% of graduating class) for 9th-12th grades. A demonstrated commitment to leadership, volunteerism, community service, and to advancing the needs of people in their home country.

Graduate

Merit Awards

  • Amount

    These awards offer waivers ranging from twelve credits to full tuition each year

  • Requirements

    Talented international master's and doctoral students may qualify for Graduate Merit Awards through their departments

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Visa requirements for American University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements