Graduate Certificate Requirements

The Graduate Certificate aims to meet the needs of a broad, multi-disciplinary constituency. The Certificate requirements are as follows:

• A total of 5 courses (15 credits)
  • 1 required course: Theory and Policy in Africa (AFSP 5659)
  • 4 electives
• A language proficiency

One of the five courses must be the required Gateway Course: Theory and Policy in Africa (AFSP 5659). The Gateway Course is only offered in the spring semester. Please note that enrollment in this course is restricted to those students enrolled in the certificate. Please email the African Studies Assistant Director to request enrollment in the Gateway Course.

The four other required courses are electives, which students will choose in consultation with the Assistant Director or Director. Candidates are expected to choose among graduate-level courses (4000+). These courses will fit within the required coursework of the student’s MA/MS program. There is no thesis requirement. Under no circumstances may over/under courses constitute more than two of the five required courses.

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.) Candidates must demonstrate proficiency by one of the following:

• Successful completion, with a grade of B or higher, of two years of the language during at the undergraduate level
• Successful completion, with a grade of B or higher, of at least beginner level (one year) of the language at the undergraduate level and/or one year of study of the same language at Georgetown (or a consortium university) as a Georgetown graduate student
• A specified grade of proficiency in U.S. government language testing
• Passing a proficiency test offered at Georgetown

Language Opportunities

The African Studies program offers Swahili courses at a various levels. Check our course listing for more information.  Additionally, you have the opportunity to study Swahili during our summer in Tanzania study abroad program. Learn more about the program here. 

As part of the Washington Metropolitan Area Consortium of Universities, you have the opportunity to take courses at any of the partner Universities. Click here to learn more about the Washington Consortium. Howard University is one of the consortium universities that offers a wealth of African languages. Please visit this website to learn more. 

How to join the Program

The Certificate is open to any graduate student who has already been admitted to a Georgetown University graduate program. Please complete the African Studies Certificate interest form here.

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.