DAAS Graduate Certificate Program

The aim of these certificate programs is to encourage students to both widen and deepen their understanding of the key issues and debates in either African Studies or African American and Diasporic Studies. The interdisciplinary focus offers students in many fields the opportunity to explore and interrogate currents of thought and diverse methodological approaches outside their own particular fields of specialization.

The comprehensive but flexible curriculum provides a solid foundation for students to engage with a wide range of programs and departments at the University of Michigan. Enrollment in the core certificate courses offers a platform for students to interact with, and learn from, students and faculty who come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. Obtaining a certificate indicates proficiency in either African Studies or African American and Diasporic Studies. This formal recognition is acknowledged on the student transcript.

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Contact Us

Graduate students interested in participating in the DAAS Graduate Certificate Program (GCP) and submitting application materials should contact the GCP Coordinator at daasgcpcoordinators@umich.edu.

To be eligible for the DAAS Graduate Certificate Program: 

1. Students must be currently enrolled in any U-M graduate-level program (either through the Rackham Graduate School or another U-M school or college).

2. Students must complete at least one term in their graduate program before applying.

DAAS accepts rolling admissions to the certificate program. Graduate students who are interested in applying to this program should contact members of the DAAS Graduate Committee at daasgcpcoordinators@umich.edu.

Required materials to be submitted with your application:

1. A letter of application (300-600 words) explaining your interest in the DAAS Graduate Certificate Program and your background in African Studies or African American and Diasporic Studies.

2. A copy of your latest U-M transcript.

3. A letter of support from your advisor.

4. A list of proposed courses that will fulfill the program requirements.

AAS 600: Pro-seminar on Interdisciplinary Approaches to African Studies (3 credits)

• All GCP students intending to obtain a graduate certificate in African Studies must enroll in the pro-seminar AAS 600. The course introduces students to a cluster of traditional and current topical questions in the field of African Studies, and it explores the various interdisciplinary approaches that can be used to address them. The course is designed to provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation and familiarize students with a wide range of methodological approaches. The professor offering AAS 600 may invite DAAS colleagues and visiting professors to contribute their particular strengths to cross-disciplinary conversations. This course is generally offered in the winter term.

Capstone Research Course: AAS 892 Seminar (3 credits) or AAS 890 Independent Study (3 credits)

• All GCP students intending to obtain a graduate certificate in African Studies must enroll in AAS 892 (Capstone Seminar) or AAS 890 (Independent Study). Each student is expected to complete a culminating interdisciplinary research project — such as a dissertation chapter, a prelim, or a Master’s thesis—that is subject to approval by the student’s faculty advisor and the DAAS Graduate Curriculum Committee. That is subject to approval by the student’s faculty advisor and the DAAS Graduate Curriculum Committee. This research paper should reflect an interdisciplinary or cross-regional perspective. As part of the Capstone requirement, the student must present their work in at least one public forum, such as a formal presentation. DAAS usually organizes a number of workshops and lecture series that can facilitate this requirement. Students may also fulfill the requirement by giving a presentation in their primary department or at a conference or symposium hosted by U-M, by another university, or by a recognized academic professional organization. Students must provide appropriate documentation of their public presentations and submit their papers—whether presented at DAAS or elsewhere—to the GCP Coordinator or Director of Graduate Studies for official certification.

Breadth Requirement (9 credits total)

• In addition to the Pro-seminar and Capstone requirements, all students must complete three (3) additional graduate-level courses in African Studies. At least one of those three courses must be in a field or discipline clearly outside the student’s primary department. All credit hours beyond the Pro-seminar and Capstone requirements must include approved graduate-level courses. All credit hours beyond the Pro-seminar and Capstone requirements must include approved graduate-level courses.

AAS 601: Pro-seminar on Interdisciplinary Approaches to African American/Diaspora Studies (3 credits)

• All GCP students intending to obtain a graduate certificate in African American and Diasporic Studies must enroll in the pro-seminar AAS 601. Designed to provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation and familiarize students with a wide range of methodological approaches, the course introduces students to questions and themes that have shaped and continue to shape the fields of African American and Diasporic Studies. The Professor offering AAS 601 may invite DAAS colleagues and visiting professors to contribute their particular strengths to cross-disciplinary conversations. This course is typically offered during the Fall term.

Capstone Research Course: AAS 891 Seminar or AAS 890 Independent Study (3 credits)

• GCP students must also enroll in AAS 891 (Capstone Seminar) or AAS 890 (Independent Study). The Capstone Research course enables students to complete a culminating, interdisciplinary research project—such as a dissertation chapter, a prelim, or a Master’s thesis—that is subject to approval by the student’s faculty advisor and the DAAS Graduate Curriculum Committee. Each student in AAS 891/890 is required to present their work in at least one public forum, such as a lecture or a brown-bag. DAAS runs a number of workshops and lecture series that will facilitate this requirement. Students may also fulfill the requirement by giving a presentation in their primary department or at a conference or symposium hosted by U-M, by another university, or by a recognized academic professional organization. Students must provide appropriate documentation of their public presentations and submit their papers—whether presented at DAAS or elsewhere—to the GCP Coordinator or the Director of Graduate Studies for official approval.

Breadth Requirement (9 credits total)

• In addition to the pro-seminar and AAS 891, all GCP students must complete three more graduate-level courses in African American, Caribbean, or Diasporic Studies. At least one of those three courses must be in a field or discipline clearly outside the student’s primary department. All credit hours beyond the pro-seminars and the Capstone requirements must include approved graduate-level courses.