BA Africana Studies at George Washington University

Programme overview

Africana studies is a unique and vibrant academic interdisciplinary program dedicated to the study of global Black experiences and perspectives. Its theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and pedagogies are drawn from Black ways of knowing (epistemologies) and material realities (ontologies). Often described as Black studies, Africana studies emerged out of the Black Power, Black Arts, and Black student movements, largely as a project of Black intellectual insurgency that was also inspired by African Diasporic freedom struggles.

Faculty: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Africana Studies | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs. Major requirements: 39 credits, with 9 credits taken at the 2000 level or above. These include major core, African Diaspora, women/gender, major concentration, and general elective requirements.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level admission (applies to all majors): For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Applications can be submitted via the Common Application. For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us.

USD 72,000 a year (2026-27). Full-time main campus undergraduate tuition for students entering in 2026-27 in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Elliott School, Milken Institute School of Public Health or School of Engineering and Applied Science (12-18 cr Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and Early Decision II is January 5 (both binding); the Regular Decision deadline is January 5. Applications use the Common Application. Transfer applications are due April 15 for fall and October 1 for spring. Testing is optional (SAT or ACT), except for BA/MD, homeschooled and narrative-evaluation applicants. BFA applicants (except Interior Architecture) submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 works through SlideRoom. The application fee is $80.

International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE Academic scores.

Apply through the official page: https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/

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