Graduate Programs in African Studies at Michigan State University

Established in 1960, the African Studies Center coordinates and facilitates the development of programs of teaching, research, and public service in African area studies throughout the University. The Center is designated as an African Foreign Language and Area Studies Center by the U.S. Department of Education, from which it receives partial funding. The Center administers National Resource Fellowships for graduate study in African languages and area studies and also offers Graduate and Undergraduate Programs in African Studies.

THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN AFRICAN STUDIES

The Graduate Certificate in African Studies is awarded to students enrolled in or completing graduate programs at Michigan State University to certify their advanced training in African area studies. It is usually sought by the Ph.D. candidate.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE

To qualify students must:

  1. Successfully complete at least 16 credits from the African Studies Core Curriculum. Only upper-division and African language courses qualify for inclusion. A list of core curriculum courses is available on this website:
    1. Obtain a grade of 3.0 (A=4.0) or better in each of those courses
    2. Include core curriculum courses from at least three academic departments and at least one graduate seminar
    3. Include at least one African Studies Center Interdisciplinary seminar in the 16 credits.
    4. Include no more than six credits of the 16 in independent reading and research. This does not include thesis or dissertation writing and research credits
    5. Include only courses taken while enrolled in graduate study; courses taken while an undergraduate may not be credited toward the Graduate Certificate
    6. Include Africanist courses from other universities only with the approval of the Director of the African Studies Center.
  2. Complete a piece of significant research in African Studies as evidenced by:
    1. a. An M.A. or M.S. thesis or a doctoral dissertation concerning Africa, or
    2. b. A professional article accepted by a scholarly journal that has been approved by a faculty member of the African Studies Center, or
    3. c. The successful completion of substantial research papers in two graduate-level African Studies seminars in the Core Curriculum with a seminar grade of at least 3.5
  3. Complete the "Application for the Graduate Certificate in African Studies" form available from the Center. Return the completed application to the Assistant Director with transcripts verifying all courses included to fulfill certificate requirements.

THE GRADUATE CONCENTRATION IN AFRICAN STUDIES

The Concentration in African Studies is designed for special students or candidates for the master's degree. Students who complete the Concentration in African Studies will receive a letter certifying their competency in African Studies and indicating the area, level, and amount of training completed.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONCENTRATION

To qualify students must:

  1. Successfully complete at least 10 credits from the African Studies Core Curriculum, a list of which is available at the Center.
    1. Obtain a minimum grade of 3.0 in each of those courses
    2. Include courses from at least two academic departments
    3. Include no more than four credits in directed reading and research or independent reading within the required credits
    4. No thesis or dissertation writing credits may be included
  2. Obtain approval of the Director of the African Studies Center for the completed program by submitting a completed application form for the African Studies Concentration, and transcripts verifying the courses and grades completed.

Note: Students who obtain the African Studies Graduate Certificate are not eligible to obtain the Concentration in African Studies.