African Studies, Certificate

Requirements for the Certificate in African Studies

(20 credits)

1. Study through The College of Global Studies’ programs in South Africa and Great Britain, one of which must be taken in South Africa. Choose one of the following:

• One to two semesters
• One semester and one summer program

2. Coursework of least 20 semester hours of credit in interdisciplinary African Studies in humanities, social sciences and sciences. Credit must be earned in an Arcadia study abroad program.

3. A cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher in courses and academic experiences.

4. A capstone research project (a 5,000-6,000 word paper or presentation of equivalent work) on African Studies (4 credits). Supervised by a faculty member from The College of Global Studies program and by the Academic Dean.

Program Structure

Students in the African Studies certificate program have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of learning experiences, including courses, research, and co- and extra-curricular activities. The program is interdisciplinary and global, centered on studies in the humanities, social sciences and sciences. Students also have the option of concentrating in specific areas ranging from area studies to law and political science.

There are two program options:

1. Students study in two different programs (two semesters, or a semester and a summer) of The College of Global Studies, and one must be in South Africa. Students are required to complete a minimum of 20 semester-hour credits, including the capstone research project.
2. Students study at the College’s program in South Africa for at least one semester. Students are required to complete a minimum of 20 semester-hour credits, including the capstone research project. A total of 4 semester hours’ credit of coursework in African Studies may be transferred into the certificate from the student’s home institution. 

Study Abroad Locations

Students are encouraged to participate in programs at one or two of the following Arcadia centers – one of which must be in South Africa:

South Africa—Arcadia Center for South African Studies

• University of Cape Town 
• University of the Western Cape
• Public Health through Mobile Clinics
• Nelson Mandela & The South African Freedom Movement

Great Britain—Arcadia London Center

• Arcadia in London
• School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London 
• King’s College, University of London
• London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
• Arcadia in London Summer

Admission, Advising, and Final Transcript

Admission Requirements

Any student who qualifies to study on a program through The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University is eligible to apply for the Certificate in African Studies. Application for the certificate is made to The College of Global Studies.

The African Studies undergraduate certificate is intended primarily for non-Arcadia University students from universities and colleges in the United States who participate in programs through The College of Global Studies. Arcadia University undergraduate students who participate in The College of Global Studies programs are eligible to receive the African Studies certificate, but they also might pursue the Arcadia University minor in International Studies.

Academic Advising

In consultation with the Program Manager, Center Director and Academic Dean of The College of Global Studies, students begin to design their academic programs during the application process for study abroad on The College of Global Studies programs. They complete the process in-country with an academic adviser from each of the two institutions where they study.

Transcript

Students receive an Arcadia University transcript for study on The College of Global Studies’ programs. Credit from the program may be applied independently or transferred to the student’s home institution according to the policy and procedures of that institution.