African Studies [Undergraduate Certificate]

Location(s): In-person/hybrid

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Add a specialty to your degree with an undergraduate certification in African Studies. Gain special insight into ancient and contemporary Africa from a scholarly perspective. The certificate program encompasses such areas of African affairs as history, political economics, geography, politics, and arts. It serves as a means by which the student can enhance his/her awareness of the diversity that characterizes human existence.

In sum, this program is designed to prepare and equip students with:
1. Inter-cultural sensitivity
2. The ability to develop social policies and cultural competencies applicable to their careers
3. Knowledge of key epistemological issues in African Studies
4. Research, critical thinking, and critical writing skills

Career Opportunities

Students who are still working towards their undergraduate degrees or many professionals with degrees in a variety of educational arenas may find this certification program a means of achieving an edge above the competition. The certificate is intended to complement careers in a wide variety of fields, including education, social work, international jobs, health care, and political science. Those with careers or majors in international relations, economic and political affairs, public policy and administration, public relations, journalism, community outreach, social services, human resources and cultural diversity, may find this certificate particularly helpful.

Online & Non-online Courses

Note that for both required and restricted elective categories, online and non-online versions of the approved courses are acceptable.

Department Information

Africology & African American Studies 620 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.3460

Victor Okafor, PhD, Department Head

Advisor Information

Victor Okafor, PhD, 620 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.3460

Critical Information

The following are the minimum requirements for an Undergraduate Certificate:

An undergraduate certificate may only be offered with or after a baccalaureate degree. It cannot be a ‘stand-alone’ certificate provided to students who are not pursuing or have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree. For students pursuing an undergraduate certificate concurrent with a bachelor’s degree, the certificate will be awarded upon graduation. Students pursuing an undergraduate certificate in conjunction with a baccalaureate degree must declare this using the major/minor declaration form. Students not pursuing an undergraduate certificate with a baccalaureate degree must apply to the certificate program through the Office of Admissions.
An undergraduate certificate will consist of at least six credits at the 300-level or above, all of which must be taken at EMU. Prerequisite or lower-level coursework may be transferred from another university or community college.
Credits used to satisfy certificate course requirements cannot also fulfill major, minor, or general education requirements.

An undergraduate certificate must require a minimum of 15 credit hours.

Certificate Requirements: 12 hours

The certificate in African Studies requires completion of the following 12-credit hour requirement. Note that only 300-level or above courses can be applied towards this certificate program, and such courses must be completed at Eastern. In addition, credits applied to this certificate program cannot be used towards the satisfaction of any major or minor requirement.

It has been determined by the University that completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in African Studies as written meets the requirements for graduation.

Core Courses: 6 hours
AFC 312 African Civilization 3 hrs
AFC 313 Contemporary Africa: The Struggle and Prospects for Development [GEGA] 3 hrs
Restricted Elective Courses: 6 hours

Select six credit hours from the following
AFC 379 Special Topics 3 hrs
or AFC 499 Independent Study 3 hrs
ARTH 470 Arts of Africa 3 hrs
GEOG 322 Geography of Africa 3 hrs
HIST 347 Sub-Saharan Africa to 1885 3 hrs
HIST 348 20th-Century Africa 3 hrs
HIST 349 South Africa, 1500-Present 3 hrs
HIST 458 Africa Since 1940 3 hrs
PLSC 372 African Politics 3 hrs