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African Studies (Graduate Certificate)

African Studies (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / African Studies (Graduate Certificate)

Africa, African Diaspora, African-American, DIASPORA, Gender, Race

Learn how social, economic and political issues shape the lives of people of African descent, and apply this specialized understanding in your choice of life paths.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  African Studies (certificate)

The graduate certificate program in African studies focuses on interdisciplinary study of the peoples, history and cultures of Africa and the multifaceted experiences of people of African descent in Europe and the Americas. Students gain access to an extensive range of information and systematic knowledge committed to the new model of African and African diaspora studies that focuses on the intersections of race, culture and gender with transdisciplinary perspectives.

Courses examine interdisciplinary approaches to studying race, ethnicity, social justice, gender, citizenship and economic development. Students study issues in African and African American history, migration patterns, art, literature, religion, family life and education, as well as how race and institutional racism have impacted the development of African descended people in America and around the world.

As this certificate program offers students an international dimension to the study of peoples and cultures of African descent, students enhance their knowledge about global issues and further expand their research pursuits. The program characterizes the faculty members' intellectual and research strengths and the curriculum's transdisciplinary strategies and research approaches that highlight the continuities and disjuncture of history and experiences throughout Africa and the diaspora.

At a glance
Degree requirements

15 credit hours

Required Core (3 credit hours)
AFR 502 Africa and African Diaspora World (3)

Electives (12 credit hours)

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Students who are not regularly admitted to a graduate degree program may still pursue the certificate.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program. When applicable, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in a master's degree program.

Applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the United States on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.

Official copies of transcripts must be submitted from all colleges and universities where the applicant earned a bachelor's or master's degree.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person Rolling
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person Rolling
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Graduates will be able to employ appropriate theory and methods in the study of the African diaspora at a graduate level.
  • Graduates will be able to practically and professionally apply knowledge of the African diaspora.
Career opportunities

Students who earn a graduate certificate in African studies have many career opportunities, including:

  • pursuing a career in journalism, teaching, law enforcement, social policy, human rights or civil rights
  • starting their own business
  • writing novels or screenplays

They also may attend graduate school in any number of disciplines, including anthropology, archeology, history, political science, psychology and sociology, or attend medical school or law school.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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