African and African American Studies (Graduate Certificate)
Africa, African Diaspora, African-American, DIASPORA, Gender, Race
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2025. The previous name was African Studies.
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.
The graduate certificate program in African and African American 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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours)
AFR 502 Africa and African Diaspora World (3)
Electives (12 credit hours)
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must 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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- 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 before being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for 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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
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.
Students who earn a graduate certificate in African and African American 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.
School of Social Transformation
|
WLSN 5th floor
SSTgraduate@asu.edu
480-965-7682
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.
