Eastern Kentucky University | 859-622-1000 | admissions@eku.edu
EKU Logo
EKU Logo
Apply Now Get Info Search
Hero Image

Certificate in African & African American Studies

Department of History, Philosophy & Religious Studies

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Certificate in African & African American Studies

Department of History, Philosophy & Religious Studies

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus

Program

12 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$418 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Engage With the Experiences of Africana Peoples

African and African American Studies (AFA) at EKU offers students the opportunity to engage with the histories, stories, and experiences of Africans and peoples of African descent around the world. These often-overlooked narratives can help us make sense of a globalized world, present-day socio-political issues in the US, and our own identities. In addition to fundamental knowledge about Africana peoples, the certificate offers diversity studies and employable skills that prepare students to thrive in a world that increasingly recognizes the importance of multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.

Apply Now Schedule a Visit

Learn More

Loading…

Career Outlook

AFA offers training that complements students’ degrees and prepares them for careers in education, social work, law, community organization, politics, business, counseling, recreation, management, urban and regional planning, media, government, law enforcement, marketing, immigration, and administration.

Job Titles Include:

  • Nonprofit manager
  • Community organizer
  • Public administrator

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Center for Africana Engagement
  • Award-winning faculty recognized as experts in their field
  • Dynamic and supportive learning environment

Our Mission

The African/African-American Studies program, through its high quality courses and special events, offers opportunities for students to engage in interdisciplinary analysis of past and present social, political, economic, and cultural issues that have impacted peoples of African descent in Africa and throughout the Diaspora. It understands that at the foundation of all discourses on race, class, and ethnicity is the fundamental question of what it means to be human and a contributing member of a civil society. As such, it seeks to prepare students of all ethnic backgrounds for effective participation in our fast changing world, by providing them training in diversity and empowering them as informed thinkers.

The Journal of Retracing Africa (JORA) is a peer-reviewed, African studies journal that welcomes submissions of original, previously unpublished manuscripts on a broad thematic and chronological range.

JORA is committed to publishing articles that provide theoretically informed analysis on the social, economic, cultural, and political transformation of African societies during the precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial periods. It aims at deconstructing misconceived, mistaken, and missing narratives on Africa and Africans, thus providing a holistic appreciation of the African experience.

The Center for Africana Engagement promotes the African and African American (AFA) experience at Eastern Kentucky University. It helps connect EKU students, staff, faculty, and the Madison County community through academic and socio-cultural events surrounding the Black experience. In addition, it offers education about continental Africa and the African diaspora across the globe by seeking to build on the foundation of the intellectual tradition of African and African American Studies. The Center also positions itself as a unique place for students to grow, develop their careers, and change narratives about Africans and people of African descent while enhancing their agency and power.

Curriculum & Enrollment

Courses encompass a broad range of disciplines, including comparative literature, criminal justice, cultural studies, dance, English, exercise and sport science, foreign languages, geography, history, philosophy, politics, psychology, religion, and women and gender studies.

A minimum of 12 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Kelsi Butcher

Kelsi Butcher 

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2705
kelsi.butcher@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
CLASS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Silas Burris

EKU African American Studies Student
I would have to say that my AFA minor has greatly affected my life post-graduation. The coursework I completed, and the many experiences I gained as an AFA minor have afforded me a much richer and more informed perspective about the world I live in today. Although I have always been interested in issues of social justice, I know my experience with AFA helped to refine my perspective and inspired me to pursue a career that allows me to continue being a part of the discussion of race, justice, and social change.

Ashley Offutt

EKU African American Studies Student
My AFA minor broadened my horizons. I also credit my minor to developing my critical thinking skills in situations that call for cultural sensitivity or educational moments. The most valuable lesson learned was correlated to the importance of knowing heritage and to work diligently to understand cultural differences.
professional photo of Emily Bryant

Emily Bryant

EKU History Student
The greatest opportunity EKU has given me is the chance to obtain graduate credits while finishing my undergraduate degree! The 3 + 2 Program in History made the prospect of graduate school a reality for me! EKU truly is the School of Opportunity, since it has allowed me to blaze a path for higher education for my family as a first-generation college student from Appalachia.

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

News & Updates

EKU Names 2024 Society of Foundation Professors

While this year Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates 150 years of teaching in the Commonwealth, every year for almost four decades EKU recognizes the faculty who demonstrate the highest standards […]

Related Programs

B.A. in History

Common Job Titles: historic preservation specialist, public administrator, economic development analyst

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

B.A. in Anthropology

Common Job Titles: archivist, cultural resources manager, museum curator or exhibit designer

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of History, Philosophy & Religious Studies

521 Lancaster Ave.
Keith 323
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1287
mark.conard@eku.edu

Department Directory