Requirements for Transfer into the African American Studies Combined Ph.D. Program

Applications should be sent directly to Professor Erica Edwards, the DGS in African American Studies and must also copy Kirsten Dudley, the Academic Support Assistant in African American Studies. 

Preference will be given to students in the second year of their Ph.D. program. Applications will receive a faculty vote early in the spring term to approve or reject, and results will be communicated to the student no later than spring break.

  1. Students applying for transfer into the combined Ph.D. program must already have taken AFAM 505 or be taking it in the term of application; must provide a plan outlining the AFAM courses already taken and those they will take; and must submit a research statement that explains how the combined Ph.D. will advance their research interests.
  2. Students must provide two letters of recommendation: one from their adviser in the joint department or program, unless that adviser is jointly appointed with African American Studies, in which case a letter from the student’s DGS in the joint department or program is required; and a second letter from a faculty member in African American Studies who commits to being the student’s adviser throughout the completion of the dissertation.
  3. Students cannot apply sooner than the second term of the first year and must apply by January 22. Preference will be given to students in the second year of their Ph.D. program. Applications will receive a faculty vote early in the spring term to approve or reject, and results will be communicated to the student.

Jonathan Howard
Director of Graduate Studies
jonathan.d.howard@yale.edu

Naomi McWilliams
Academic Support Assistant (Registrar)
203-432-1170
naomi.mcwilliams@yale.edu

Graduate Student Liaisons
Speak with a student about the program
Kristine Guillaume   Devin Williams