Walsh School of Foreign Service
African Studies Program
African Studies Program

Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

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

Capstone Course

The Capstone Course allows students to receive a certificate in African Studies by completing a 15-20 page research paper in a small-group tutorial setting.

This course explores the representations of Africa and African peoples from various perspectives, focusing primarily on literature and film. The course provides a context for thinking about the totality of your study of Africa at Georgetown, offering you the opportunity to reflect on distinctly African themes, but in the context of your major field of study. It is structured so as to be a thoughtful conclusion to your undergraduate study and a bridge to your future work and study. Students view at least one film per week; complete a variety of readings of works of fiction by African authors; as well as complete an in-depth research study on a topic related to their major or concentration. The outstanding paper each year receives the Mopani Award, which is presented at the African Studies Program as part of Commencement Weekend.

Senior Thesis Seminar

Students with a GPA of at least 3.2 overall and 3.4 in African Studies courses can apply for the Senior Thesis Seminar. The senior thesis is a unique opportunity that allows students to explore and research a topic of their own choosing. The thesis also affords a one-on-one tutorial experience and the ability to develop arguments and apply theories and methodologies that you have learned in previous courses.

Thesis applicants are required to have a strong academic record, good writing skills, and a well-thought-out proposal. Students select a faculty member as their thesis advisor, who serves as a second reader and provides guidance throughout the semester. Upon completion, seniors will make a formal presentation of their research at the annual Senior Thesis Colloquium held in late April. The most outstanding paper each year is awarded the Africa Prize, which is presented at the Tropaia Ceremony of SFS.

Click here to apply for the Senior Thesis Seminar.

Language Proficiency

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

Language Opportunities

The African Studies program offers Swahili courses at 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 student who had already been admitted to a Georgetown University undergraduate 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.