Academic Certification Programs
Certificate Programs
The Center does not grant academic degrees, but offers certificates designed to complement and supplement students' major academic programs within their departments.
The Undergraduate Specialization in African Studies
This certificate is awarded to students who obtain a specialization in the field of African area studies, acquire knowledge of African languages and linguistics, and develop an area of focus on Africa related to their personal needs and interests. Students in the program pursue a degree in an academic department while simultaneously completing 20 credit hours in Africa-related course work. The certificate also requires completing an in-depth research paper which may be based on field experience in Africa. (see: Undergraduate Specialization Document)
The Graduate Concentration in African Studies (Master's level)
This program is designed for students in an MSU masters program or who are special students. Students must complete at least 10 credits from the African Studies Core Curriculum with courses from at least two different academic departments.
The Graduate Certificate in African Studies (Ph.D. level)
This program is designed to certify the advanced training in African Studies received by Ph.D. candidates. Requirements include at least 17 credits of upper-division Africa-related course work or African language course work. Courses must be completed in at least three different academic departments and must include at least one graduate seminar. Students also must complete a significant piece of research concerning Africa.
Upon completion of the requirements for the Specialization in African Studies, the student will receive a Certificate from the African Studies Center. The certification of completion will also appear on the student's transcript, and the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student's record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed.
Further information on any of these programs may be obtained from the center's Assistant Director, Professor Yacob Fisseha, send e-mail to: fisseha@msu.edu