Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Africology and African American Studies [Graduate Certificate]


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Bring a specialty to your degree with a Graduate Certificate in Africology and African American Studies. Gain a special insight into American cultural diversity from a scholarly perspective of the life and culture of a people who have faced historical and institutionalized barriers and yet contributed much to society.

Studies in this field delve into history, politics, culture, and economics, and create an environment for the student to develop a unique knowledge of and sensitivity to issues as they pertain to race and cultural diversity.

This program is designed to prepare and equip students with:

  1. Advanced research skills
  2. Diversity-related knowledge
  3. The ability to develop social policies and cultural competencies applicable to their careers
  4. Knowledge of epistemological issues in Africology and African American Studies

Career Opportunities

Many professionals with advanced degrees in a variety of educational arenas may find this program gives them an edge on the competition. This certificate complements careers in a wide variety of fields, including, but not limited to, education, social work, healthcare, and political science. Those with careers in public policy and administration, economic and political welfare, public relations, community outreach, social services, human resources, and cultural diversity may find this certificate particularly helpful.

Course Sequence

Courses can be completed on EMU’s main campus in Ypsilanti and online. All courses are designed for the working professional and are offered on weekday evenings and online.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • A statement of goals demonstrating how the graduate certificate program will help the student’s professional goals and intellectual enrichment; and
  • A minimum of two letters of recommendation.

Department Information


Africology & African American Studies | Victor Okafor, Ph.D., Department Head | 620 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.3460, vokafor@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Victor Okafor, Ph.D., 620 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.3460, vokafor@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 15 hours


The certificate in African American Studies requires the completion of 15 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses as follows:

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