Graduate certificate African American Studies

The graduate certificate in African American Studies provides an opportunity for students to complement doctoral studies in their home department with coordinated interdisciplinary training in African American Studies while participating in an intellectually stimulating community. Students entering the program may come from any department in the Humanities and Social Sciences.  Requirements for the certificate include an introductory readings course; two additional courses; participation in the yearlong Faculty-Graduate Seminar; and completion of a dissertation on a topic of significance to the field of African American Studies. Certificate requirements are designed to complement the course of study in students’ home departments. In addition to the certificate, the department’s Graduate Affairs Program sponsors programming and events throughout the academic year for graduate students at all stages with interests in African American Studies.

Students wishing to obtain a graduate certificate in African American Studies are encouraged to consult with the Director of Graduate Affairs, ideally during their first year, to plan their course of study.  Formal admission to the certificate program will take place upon students’ completion of general examinations and admission to candidacy. 

Interested students should contact the Director of Graduate Affairs or support staff within the Department of African American Studies.

Students cannot be admitted to Princeton University through the African American Studies Certificate Program since it is not a degree program.  All graduate admissions decisions will be made through affiliated departments.