Certificates

There are multiple student learning goals; mainly, students completing the African Studies Certificate program are expected to achieve the following by the time of graduation:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of major theories, concepts, and research methodologies used in political science, anthropology, and history, while developing foundational knowledge of economics, development, and specialized regional or thematic topics related to Africa.
2. Identify, analyze, and critically evaluate the major political, social, economic, and cultural issues affecting the African continent.
3. Communicate ideas through clear, well-organized, and persuasive writing, demonstrating strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills as evidenced through coursework, including the senior capstone or thesis.
4. Language facility, defined as proficiency (two years of study) in a language relevant to the continent. Students must complete an oral proficiency examination with a grade of ‘good’ or higher in an African language (Swahili, Twi, Somali, etc.) or a relevant language spoken in Africa (French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.)

Undergraduate Certificate

Various programs across the University allow students to study discrete topics on Africa—economic development, governance, humanitarian emergencies, business and investment, health, technology, energy and the environment, and security. The Certificate in African Studies is designed to facilitate a fuller understanding of the continent, beyond narrow disciplinary lenses and various “crisis narratives.” The African Studies Certificate is open to undergraduate students in all schools of Georgetown University, regardless of major.

The African Studies Undergraduate Certificate consists of 18 credits (six courses). Students complete four required courses: Africa I: Africa I, II, or West Africa and the World; Africa II: People; African Politics and Government (offered in the fall only); and the African Studies Capstone during the spring of the senior year. Students also complete two approved African Studies elective courses selected from the program’s approved course list or with approval from the Program Director or Assistant Director. In addition, students must demonstrate language proficiency by earning a grade of B (or “good”) or higher in an African language such as Swahili, Twi, Somali, or another language widely spoken in Africa, including French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Please click here to complete the undergraduate certificate interest form

Graduate Certificate

Georgetown University acknowledges the importance of Africa and is committed to addressing graduate students’ interest in the study of the continent. The Graduate Certificate in African Studies forms a vital part of this commitment and serves an important intellectual function on our campus. The African Studies Graduate Certificate is open to students in any Georgetown University degree-granting graduate program.

The African Studies Graduate Certificate consists of 15 credits (five courses). Students complete one required course, Theory and Policy in Africa (offered in the spring), along with four approved African Studies graduate electives selected from the program’s approved course list or with approval from the Program Director or Assistant Director. Students must also demonstrate language proficiency by completing coursework or passing a proficiency examination with a grade of B (or “good”) or higher in an African language such as Swahili, Twi, Somali, or another language widely spoken in Africa, including French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Please click here to complete the graduate certificate interest form

For any questions or to set up a meeting to discuss the African Studies Certificates, please email the African Studies Assistant Director, Ella Yohannes, at my662@georgetown.edu.