Certificate Requirements
The certificate requires 15 credits and intermediate proficiency in a language spoken in Africa.
Required Courses
Students are required to take 15 credits. Current course lists are located here. A maximum of two courses (6 credits) from the African Studies Certificate may be counted toward another credential, such as a major, minor, or certificate. If a student is pursuing multiple credentials, up to four courses (12 credits) from the African Studies Certificate may overlap with those combined programs.
Core Courses (3 credits)
Students will complete one core course with 100% Africa-related content. Example courses include but are not limited to:
AFRCNA 0127 INTRODUCTION TO AFRICA
AFRCNA 1240 AFRICAN LITERATURE AND SOCIETY
AFRCNA 0586 EARLY AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS
AFRCNA 1310 CULTURES OF AFRICA (ANTH 1778)
AFRCNA 1309 WOMEN OF AFRICA AND AFRICAN DIASPORA
AFRCNA 1310 CULTURES OF AFRICA
AFRCNA 1331 AFRICAN LIBERATION MOVEMENTS
HIST 0795 HISTORY OF AFRICA BEFORE 1800
HIST 1796 HISTORY OF AFRICA SINCE 1800
Any African Studies course you take in Africa while abroad
Elective Courses (12 credits)
Students take four elective courses with at least 25% Africa related content. Relevant courses taken during a study abroad experience may also be counted. To ensure interdisciplinary learning, students must take courses in at least two departments other than their major. Courses are updated each semester. Example courses could include:
AFRCNA 787 BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS
AFRCNA 1555 AFRO CARRIBEAN DANCE
ENGLISH 610 WOMEN AND LITERATURE
FR-ITAL 227 THE FRENCH ATLANTIC
ANTH 780 INTRO TO ANTHROPOLOGY
RELGST 1420 ORIGINS OF CHRISTIANITY
HIST 700 WORLD HISTORY
Language proficiency
Students will complete two years (4 semesters) of language study of either an indigenous African or African diaspora language (Pitt offers Akan/Twi, Amharic, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Swahili, Wolof, and Yoruba) or, a European language (other than English) that is relevant to African studies because of Africa’s historical experience. For example, a student with two years or more of French, Portuguese, German or Spanish meets the language proficiency requirement. *Native speakers of an African or European language spoken in Africa are exempt from this requirement.
Capstone
Each student will complete a digital portfolio highlighting their learning experience and clearly demonstrating their specific growth of knowledge about Africa related issues within their respective academic discipline and in a broader global context. Students will present their digital portfolio by the provided deadline before graduation.
GPA in African Studies Courses should be 2.5 or higher.
Academic Opportunities
Study Abroad and Internships: Although Studying abroad in Africa is not required, it is highly encouraged. Students can earn up to 15 credits towards the certificate by studying abroad in an African country. There are also several internship opportunities available to students locally and in Africa. Meet with the academic advisor to learn about these opportunities.
Professional Development: The African Studies Program offers academic internships every semester where a student is given full exposure to the field of African Studies and can earn 3 credits for the internship. Students work on skills such as networking, public speaking, communications, media relations, critical thinking, and knowledge of Africa. This internship is a great way for students to build their resume and get real life experience working for a university.
UCIS International Career Toolkit Series: The Toolkit Series introduces students to the multitude of careers available by meeting and interacting with professionals in a variety of fields. Many of the guests are Pitt alumni and those that graduated with an International Studies Certificate. By attending one of these panels students will gain insight on career choices, what specific careers entail, how to articulate and prepare for short and long term career goals, and utilize resources at Pitt to make their goals a reality. Each year, students enrolled in the certificate program will have the opportunity to visit Washington, DC to interact with professionals and learn about a variety of opportunities for employment possibilities.
Other Outside of the Classroom learning activities: Students can attend lectures and conferences on campus and off campus on a variety of topics that enhance their classroom learning. African studies offers the Let’s Talk Africa Series particularly designed for students to share their Africa related learning experiences. In addition the program hosts other forums for knowledge and cultural exchanges including during international week and during Africa Week. Visit our website for more information.
