African and African American Studies  (Certificate)


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

The certificate program in African and African American studies examines 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.



Certificate Map

Major/Certificate Map archive


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Program 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.

Enrollment Requirements

The certificate consists of 24 credit hours, at least 18 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:
AFR 200 Introduction to Africana Studies, SB, G, H (3)

Elective Core Course:
AFR 300 Precolonial Africa, SB, G, H (3) or AFR 301 Race and Racism in Africa/African Diaspora, SB, G (3) or AFR 302 History of Black Women in America, SB, H (3) or AFR 305 The Global History of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, SB, H (3)

Elective Courses:
The remaining 18 credit hours will be completed by selecting courses bearing the program prefix (AFR). No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement for the undergraduate certificate.

Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.







Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.