The Graduate Certificate in African Studies is offered by the African Studies Center (ASC). It can be earned by post-baccalaureate students in any Boston University graduate or professional program who fulfill the requirements outlined below, in addition to the requirements of their degree programs. No additional coursework is required because courses completed for the African Studies Certificate also fulfill requirements toward students’ degree programs. The certificate enriches the disciplinary and professional training of students with a focused multidisciplinary curriculum of African-content courses.
This certificate can easily be undertaken by students in the MAIA, MGP and IR/MBA programs. Combination with other Pardee degree programs is possible but may prove logistically difficult.
Requirements
- Successfully complete at least 16 credits of coursework from the African Studies Curriculum with a grade of B or better in each course.
- Include classes from at least two departments or schools.
- Include no more than 8 hours of coursework in directed study or research.
- Complete a significant piece of research, such as an MA Paper or doctoral dissertation, or two substantial research papers in graduate-level seminars on African topics.
- Demonstrate reading knowledge of an African language or a European language used in African studies. For students in Pardee degree programs, this can be done via the standard Pardee foreign language exam.
- Receive approval of completion from the Director or Assistant Director of the ASC and the student’s faculty adviser.
Please note that some classes accepted toward the African Studies Certificate may not count toward a student’s degree. Students should be careful to choose courses that will be accepted toward both the certificate and their degree program.