PhD African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University

Programme overview

The doctoral programme studies the intellectual traditions, histories, and social and cultural life of African-descended people in the United States and across the African diaspora in North and South America, the Caribbean and elsewhere. It prepares students to become educators and intellectual leaders in the academy, public service and institutional stewardship.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: African American and African Diaspora Studies | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Students follow a sequence of core courses in African American and African Diaspora Studies and allied disciplines that builds a foundation in Black intellectual traditions and theoretical frameworks. Students earn the MA and MPhil along the way to the PhD.

Career pathways

Academia, public service and institutional leadership.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants submit one transcript per school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a personal statement and a resume. Three letters of evaluation (at least two from academic recommenders). Writing sample: 15 to 20 pages, double-spaced. GRE General and GRE Subject scores are not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Fall 2027 entry application deadline: December 10, 2026.

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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