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Jul 20, 2026
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2026-2027 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog
Advanced African Studies Certificate
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Contact Information
Dr. Anna-Maria Karnes, Academic Advisor
4136 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-8143
Awk19@pitt.edu
www.ucis.pitt.edu/africa
Sign Up for an appointment
The Graduate Certificate
The Center for African Studies offers the graduate certificate and the Advanced certificate in African Studies designed for students who wish to intensify their study of Africa as a world region. Students seeking a graduate degree at any school or department within the University may pursue a graduate certificate in African Studies by enrolling in the program and meeting the stipulated requirements. This certificate is specifically designed for graduate students who desire to develop real insights into issues of critical importance in their fields of research and career interests as relates to Africa. The program provides students with fundamental grounding in African Studies through exposure to the major areas of research and knowledge on Africa in their respective disciplines and professions. In addition, students are provided with opportunities to participate in research projects, symposia, lectures, conferences, fellowships, internships and workshops on Africa. Successful completion of a certificate in African Studies can provide an important building block for careers in international development, foreign service, government, business, law, academia and public service.
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Certificate Requirements
Course Work
18 Credits of course work are required:
- 15 credits can overlap with your major but
- 3 credits must be outside your major
- In country experience is required and this can be fulfilled with a 3 credit research project or internship in Africa
Language Requirement
2 years language requirement for equivalent for an African language or European language spoken in Africa*
* Language proficiency: Those with intermediate proficiency or Native speakers of an African language, or European language can have the language requirement waived.
Capstone Research Paper & Presentation
Capstone paper: This research paper/project is the culmination of the student’s learning experience and clearly demonstrates in-depth knowledge of African studies issues in at least one academic discipline. The capstone must be an assignment submitted as part of coursework, such as a final term paper and must have received a B or above grade.
Graduation Presentation: The student will present on the culmination of their African Studies Certificate through sharing a PowerPoint about their capstone project and African studies experiences in a mini-forum to students, friends and family. Each student will have 5 minutes to present. They are allowed no more than five power point slides of talking points and pictures to guide their presentation. Presentations happen in December or April of the graduation year.
Academic Opportunities
Internships: There are several internship opportunities locally and in Africa for student internships. Meet with the academic advisor to learn about these opportunities and sources of funding.
Events & Volunteering: The center hosts various lectures each semester and always has opportunities for students to get involved and use their talents in various events that happen throughout the year.
UCIS International Career Toolkit Series: The Career Toolkit 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.
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