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African and African American Studies, Certificate

Analyze race, power and institutional racism, then apply that knowledge in careers and communities that advance equity and social justice. Earn a focused, interdisciplinary credential that complements many majors and builds expertise in African and African American experiences.

A professor lectures a African and African American Studies class, showcasing student experience in the certificate.

Quick facts

Additional facts

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Certificate description

African and African American Studies certificate description

In the certificate program in African and African American studies, you examine the culture, arts, history, politics, economics and current status of Africans, African Americans and the larger African diaspora, especially in Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

The goal is to prepare you for lifelong learning, advanced study in a variety of fields, successful careers and productive public service in an increasingly diverse society.

Why earn an African and African American studies undergraduate certificate at ASU?

Study within the School of Social Transformation, where a strong social justice mission links you to programs in women's and gender studies, justice and social inquiry, American studies, Asian Pacific American studies and other related fields. With a breadth of offerings across ASU, including the African and African American studies Bachelor of Arts, minors and other interdisciplinary programs, you can stack credentials and customize your academic experience.

Additional details

Because many students complete this certificate online, you can connect through virtual classrooms, school-sponsored online events and university-wide online student communities. On the Tempe campus, related student organizations and events center Black student life, African and African American culture and social justice.

Courses

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Conduct independent research exploring critical issues in and to the African diaspora.
  • Analyze the ways in which race intersects with other social locations in shaping ideology, as well as social, political and cultural institutions.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Explore expanded study opportunities

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this African and African American studies undergraduate certificate prepares you for

Students can advance their career options with an undergraduate certificate. By adding this specialization in African and African American studies as a complement to their major program of study, students become more marketable hires. Graduates who have completed this undergraduate certificate often pursue employment in education, law, public service, and human welfare and social work. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Social Transformation | WLSN 5th floor
SSTadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7682

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

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. 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.

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.

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.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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