The certificate in African American Studies introduces you to the interdisciplinary study of African American, African diaspora and African history, society, and culture. You may choose courses in African American history, literature, Black women’s studies, art history, visual culture, music history, politics, and sociology. The certificate offers you opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary study and practice that will complement your degree and enhance your intellectual and creative participation in their chosen professions and a citizen in our global society.
How to Get in
To declare a certificate in African American Studies, students must be enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Interested students must contact the department’s undergraduate adviser to declare the certificate and be assigned a faculty adviser in their area of interest. Students may not declare both the certificate and the major in African American studies.
Requirements
Certificate students must plan with a faculty adviser a cohesive program consisting of 15 credits chosen from undergraduate AFROAMER courses.
- At least one 3-credit course must focus on Afro-American history (see list below).
- A minimum of 9 credits must be completed from AFROAMER courses numbered 300–699.
- At least one 3-credit course must be advanced (AFROAMER 500–697).
- A maximum of 3 credits of directed study (AFROAMER 699) may count toward the certificate.
- Students may not substitute courses from other academic programs or subject listings to fulfill the requirements for this program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| All certificate students must take one 3-credit course in Afro-American history: | 3 | |
| Introduction to African American History | ||
| Race and American Politics from the New Deal to the New Right | ||
| Undergraduate Studies in Afro-American History | ||
| Afro-American History Since 1900 | ||
| African American History to 1900 | ||
| Black Women in America: Reconstruction to the Present | ||
| Race and Gender in Post-World War II U.S. Society | ||
| Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction, 1848-1877 | ||
| African American Women's Activism (19th & 20th Centuries) | ||
| Gender, Race and the Civil Rights Movement | ||
| History of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States | ||
| Colloquium in Afro-American History | ||
| Selected Topics in Afro-American History | ||
| AFROAMER electives to meet the minimum credit requirement for the certificate | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Residence & Quality of Work
- At least 8 credits must be completed in residence.
- Minimum 2.500 GPA on all certificate courses.
- Courses taken pass/fail or credit/no credit may not apply to the certificate.
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- To familiarize students with the history, culture and social conditions of African Americans in the United States.
- To introduce students to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race, gender, and ethnicity in America.
- To prepare students for careers in institutions that address the needs of multicultural communities.
Advising and Careers
Declare or cancel this certificate
Please contact the Undergraduate Advisor, Anthony Black (anthony.black@wisc.edu).
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students