The PhD Black Studies Emphasis (BSE)– which includes a series of graduate seminars offered annually - helps students not only to meet requirements toward completion of their graduate programs, but also to fulfill structural gaps in graduate training regarding critical race studies. Launched in 2012, the BSE consolidated existing informal contacts among Departments who train PhD students in Black Studies, Racial/Ethnic Studies, and Social Justice research. Courses in the BSE focus on five broad areas of inquiry: (1) Black Expressive Cultures in North America, the Caribbean, and Africa; (2) Black activism, politics, and social justice in the Americas and Africa; (3) Black Feminist, Queer, and Trans Studies; (4) Black Epistemologies and Intellectual Traditions; and (5) Comparative Ethnic Studies. Learning outcomes include preparing PhD students to: analyze and construct arguments concerning African Diaspora Studies research; examine Black Studies as an epistemological paradigm for University research; discuss the critical and analytical understandings of the study of Black people in local and global contexts; utilize Black Studies epistemologies in the context of research; employ Black Studies methodologies to create paradigms and interpret data; and defend their dissertation proposals in front of other Black Studies scholars and apply critical feedback to the completion of their dissertations.


To meet BSE requirements, students are required to successfully complete 5 courses, designed to develop a critical and analytical understanding of racial theory and pedagogy as well as the study of Black people in local and global contexts. These courses include: BLST 206, “Graduate Proseminar”; BLST 208, “Black Epistemologies”; 2 other courses with approved Black Studies foci; and BLST 599, “Dissertation Preparation.” In addition to course work, candidates must select a Black Studies faculty member to serve on their dissertation committee. Applications may be submitted at any stage in a candidates’ doctoral work and are considered throughout the academic year. Black Studies Emphasis students are encouraged to TA Black Studies undergraduate courses as part of their training. Currently, the Department has BSE students pursuing PhDs in Comparative Literature, Education, English, Feminist Studies, and Sociology.


BSE Application Process

  • Interested applicants must complete and submit the application, Application for Ph.D. Emphasis;

  • Applications can be submitted to Theresa Rodriguez, makaelawells@ucsb.edu

  • Complete applications will be reviewed by the department's Graduate Committee Applicants will be notified of the department's decision

  • If admitted into the BSE program, students must also submit a Change of Major petition to the Graduate Division so the emphasis is added to their record and will appear on official transcripts.