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Center for International Studies
Yamada International House
56 E. Union St.
Athens, Ohio 45701
The sun sets on the African plains.
African Studies Graduate Certificate

African Studies Graduate Certificate

The African Studies Certificate — open to all OHIO master's and doctoral students — explores the African continent's emerging aspirations and trajectories in the 21st century.

  • The program was founded in 1964 amid the excitement emanating from the decolonization of the continent and the awareness of the important role Africa could play in world affairs.
  • Today, the OHIO African Studies Program examines African futures through coursework and research on economic developments, technological innovations, sociopolitical transformations, cultural productions, and sustainability initiatives.
  • The program focuses on themes of dynamism and resiliency in relation to African and African diasporic peoples.

The African Studies Certificate examines these trends across the continent, including West Africa, South Africa, East Africa, and the Horn of Africa.

 

Career Opportunities

Many graduate students focusing on Africa come to Ohio University with prior work or travel experience in Africa. The African Studies Certificate enables students to synthesize and focus those interests and give them intellectual and professional polish.

Graduate study makes students more articulate and better informed about their areas of interest. Students interested in Africa must improve their communication skills in order to achieve success in government, business, finance, aid work, teaching, and related fields.

The African Studies Certificate also may establish the foundation for future research or doctoral dissertation projects.

Admission Requirements

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The certificate program only accepts students who have been admitted to an advanced degree program at Ohio University. The African Studies Certificate Director determines acceptance to the program.

Prospective applicants must prepare an application for submission to the African Studies Certificate Director at Yamada International House or via email at international.studies@ohio.edu to obtain the signature of the Certificate Director. The application must include:

  • Completed Application for Update of Graduate Academic Program. This form is available on the Graduate College website. See Add Additional Certificate.
  • Undergraduate and/or Graduate Transcript
  • Resume/CV: This should list information about your academic background, professional and/or internship experience, and academic and/or professional accomplishments (such as conference presentations, publications, internships, volunteer work, prizes, honors, awards, etc.).
  • Statement of Purpose: This two-page statement should discuss your educational and professional goals and how the African Studies Certificate will help you meet those goals. Applicants should be specific in discussing aspects of their background that have led them to the program and how the program can support their future professional and/or academic goals.

The completed application, including the signature of the African Studies Certificate Director, should then be submitted to the Graduate College at Ohio University.

International Students

This certificate program alone does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this certificate. However, this certificate can be completed during any Ohio University graduate program and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to that degree program.

Certificate Requirements

Full Certificate Requirements and Courses in the Official Academic Catalog

Students must complete three core courses from an interdisciplinary list. Students also must take two semesters of a language appropriate to the region. OHIO offers Akan, Arabic, Swahili, and Wolof.

For More Information

Contact: Dr. Ghirmai Negash