Requirements
Admission is open to all graduate students enrolled at Pitt. To receive the certificate, students are required to fulfill the following: :
1. Four graduate level courses (12 credits)
Students will complete four courses that contain African content in the student’s area/academic program
2. Two additional graduate level courses (6 credits)
Students will complete two additional courses in a related area/department. In some instances, with the consent of the student’s academic advisor, approved upper-level undergraduate courses may be taken in fulfillment of the requirement in a related area.
3. One year (8 credits) of college study of an indigenous African language.
This may be waived in cases of demonstrated competence in an African language, or equivalent proficiency in a European language (other than English) relevant to African Studies as a consequence of Africa’s historical experience namely, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
4. Research Paper
Each student will be expected to complete an interdisciplinary research paper focused on the area of concentration under the supervision of an African Studies faculty member
Each student who completes the requirements will receive approval of completion from the Director or Assistant Director of the African Studies Program and the student’s faculty advisor before the certificate can be awarded.
5. Study Abroad in Africa is strongly encouraged but not required.
Currently Pitt has three programming options in Africa
All credits obtained while studying abroad in Africa will count towards the certificate requirements.