The graduate Certificate in African American Studies requires a least 12 s.h. of credit. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.75 in work for the certificate. With civil and corporate work environments taking a distinct interest in the diversity of people, training, and ideas within their respective environments, the certificate provides a means of formally acknowledging cultural and intellectual understanding that is being sought by potential employers.
Students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program of study to earn the certificate. They meet yearly with the certificate advisor to plan their certificate coursework.
The Certificate in African American Studies requires the following work.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM:5900 | Advanced Readings in African American Studies: Historic and Contemporary Debates | 3 |
| Three courses (3 s.h. each) related to African American studies numbered 3000 or above; at least 6 s.h. of these must be taken in a department other than a student's primary area of study (consult advisor) | 9 | |
Doctor of Philosophy students are encouraged to apply for the certificate program in their first year of graduate study, and students earning their master's degree in their first semester. Students then have sufficient time to select coursework in an area of African American studies that is most appealing to them. Applicants must have a grade-point average of at least 2.75 at the time of application.
Applicants who have taken courses that may apply toward the certificate can review a list of acceptable coursework on the Graduate Certificate in African American Studies website. They should note the courses that may apply toward the certificate on their certificate application in addition to a written justification, or they may meet with the African American studies director of graduate studies as soon as possible to begin the consideration process.
For more information on formal application to the certificate program, contact the African American Studies director of graduate studies or visit Graduate Programs on the African American Studies website.