PhD African and African American Studies at Harvard University

Programme overview

The PhD in African and African American Studies lets students pursue either African or African American studies and explore connections in theory, concept and method across the African diaspora. The African language programme offers instruction in 45 African languages.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of African and African American Studies | Intake: Application deadline December 1, 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

What you will study

Doctoral study in African or African American studies, with access to the Hutchins Center and the Center for African Studies collections and the option of a social engagement dissertation working with a local community.

Career pathways

Graduates have taken faculty positions at Yale, Harvard, Penn State and UCLA, and others work in organisations such as the Boston Review or have founded nonprofits.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme: applicants typically have undergraduate work in African or African American studies. Personal statement and a writing sample (critical or scholarly paper, maximum 20 pages excluding citations) are required. GRE General and Subject tests are optional. Three letters of recommendation are required (at least one from a faculty member at the school of the most recent degree unless out of school for more than five years). English proficiency for non-native speakers: an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, or TOEFL iBT minimum 5 (95 for tests taken before January 21, 2026) with Speaking minimum 4.5, or IELTS Academic minimum 7 with Speaking minimum 6.5. A master's degree does not count as proof. Application deadline December 1, 2026 (5:00 p.m.).

USD 59,048 a year (2026-27). Harvard Griffin GSAS full tuition for PhD students, required for the first two years of study, 2026-27; reduced tuition is $15,352 in years three and four and the continuation fee is $3,906 after year four; PhD students may receive grants covering tuition Source

Intake: Application deadline December 1, 2026

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