About the Program in African Studies

Princeton University's program in African Studies is one of the most diverse in the nation. Truly an inter-disciplinary program, faculty from the humanities and social, natural, and engineering sciences play an active role in teaching and advising research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The undergraduate plan of study typically commences with an introductory course that explores African issues from many perspectives and ends with a colloquium where students share their senior research with peers and faculty. In between these 'bookends,' students select coursework and self-design programs that can be as broad or as focused as their individual interests. Similarly, African studies at the Ph.D. level are pursued as an integral part of an individual’s course of study in a regular academic department. Study abroad opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels include research, field work, and outreach.

On campus, the program offers a regular series of lunchtime research seminars and an Indaba—where informal discussions on matters pertaining to Africa takes place. It also sponsors a variety of other types of scholarly and cultural activities, many of which are initiated by its undergraduate student organization, Akwaaba, or its association of graduate students, Thingira.

Much is happening in Africa today and Princeton's program offers many exciting ways to explore the social, environmental, and political issues affecting Africa and the African diaspora.