Interested in African Politics? Where to go for Grad School?

<p>I am extremely interested in African Politics, and I just completed a BA in Political Science with minors in History and African Studies. I was thinking about attending Grad school in Africa (i.e. University of Ghana, Makerere University in Uganda) as I thought it would be cool to complete a Masters in International Relations or Political Science in Africa. Is this a good idea? I don't want to go the M.A. in "African Studies" degree route if I can help it. From my research, I don't see too many graduate programs that tickle my fancy. Any suggestions would be helpful.</p>

<p>Have you checked the SOAS (school of oriental and african studies) in the UK?
lol, I know its not in Africa, but I know its really good for African studies and could be an alternative…If not you could contact the legon and makere</p>

<p>Thanks. SOAS does have a Master’s degree program in African Politics. I am also interested in African Military History. Like really interested in it. What course of study should I pursue? I am guessing that I should probably get a dual master’s in African Studies and History or something of that sort, although I am trying to shy away from the African Studies degrees. Do you think there is a good market for those with expertise in African Politics and Military History?</p>

<p>Ohio State has a history specialty in military history. If you look at their links page, quite a few of the other military history programs are in the UK. I don’t know about African military history----would seem to be a relatively unmined area looking at it from a military history perspective. It would seem to fall under African history for colonial wars and under Politics for the many recent civil wars.</p>

<p>If you’re investing money in a graduate humanities degree to get a job or make money then I would re-evaluate your situation. The job market just isn’t there. If you want to be an academic you’ll have to get a PhD…job market is bleak there too. The good news is that it sounds like you really love your subject which is key to graduate success!</p>

<p>I’ll disagree with VastlyOverrated - with IR/poli sci degrees with an Africa focus, the job market is certainly there (particularly if there isn’t anything keeping you from a security clearance). Do you speak an African language or French? You might want to look into (besides SOAS) some South African universities (Cape Town, Witwatersrand) which have solid academic reputations, or try the Peace Corps for language training AND field experience that’ll put you in a good position for MA funding.</p>