African and American Studies (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

Do you want to advocate for social justice? Gain a deeper understanding of African and African American peoples' culture and history and an in-depth knowledge of prominent issues in their communities to help you excel in fields such as law, business and medicine.

Program Description

Students in the certificate program in African and African American studies examine the culture, arts, history, politics, economics and current status of Africans, African Americans and the larger African diaspora, especially in Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

The goal is to prepare students for lifelong learning, advanced study in a variety of fields, successful careers and productive public service in an increasingly diverse society.


Program Requirements

The certificate consists of 15 credit hours, at least 12 of which must be completed at the upper-division level. All courses used toward the certificate must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Required Core Course (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
Elective Core Course (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
Content Courses (choose three) -- 9 credit hours

Other courses may be used with approval from an academic advisor in the School of Social Transformation
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze the ways in which race intersects with other social locations in shaping ideology, as well as social, political and cultural institutions.
  • Conduct independent research exploring critical issues in and to the African diaspora.

Career Outlook

Students can advance their career options with an undergraduate certificate. By adding this specialization in African and African American studies as a complement to their major program of study, students become more attractive to employers.

Graduates who have completed this undergraduate certificate often decide to pursue employment in education, public service, and human welfare and social work. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Anthropologists and Archeologists


  • Growth: 4.2%
  • Median Salary*: 63940

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 71690
  Bright Outlook

Historians


  • Growth: 3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64540

Healthcare Social Workers


  • Growth: 9.6%
  • Median Salary*: 60280
  Bright Outlook

News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists


  • Growth: -3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 55960

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Social and Community Service Managers


  • Growth: 9.1%
  • Median Salary*: 74240
  Bright Outlook

Child, Family, and School Social Workers


  • Growth: 5.3%
  • Median Salary*: 50820
  Bright Outlook

Sociologists


  • Growth: 4.5%
  • Median Salary*: 98590
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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