Africa has undergone rapid political, economic, and social changes over the past several decades since most of the continent freed itself from European colonialism. In African Studies, you will learn about the continent's vast and powerful empires prior to colonization and explore themes related to the continent's history, politics, people, economy, and culture. Students will examine global disparities and the challenges facing the African continent, including unequal development, environmental degradation, and inequity in access to democratic rights, and how social movements are confronting these challenges. The African Studies certificate in the Department of International & Global Studies will equip you with both a breadth and depth of knowledge about contemporary Africa.
Certificate in African Studies at Portland State University
The African Studies at Portland State University is a Certificate program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 1 year to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 26, 2026.
About Certificate in African Studies
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in African Studies at Portland State University
Entry Requirements
General Secondary Education Certificate/Exam (Tawjihi), Overall average greater than 80%
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in African Studies
A certificate in African Studies prepares students for a wide range of careers in the nonprofit, private, and government sectors. Graduates of our program have found opportunities all over the world in:
- Graduate programs in African and International Studies, Business, Political Science, Urban Studies, Public Health, etc.
- Private-sector employers, including international businesses
- Aid organizations such as the International Red Cross
- Nonprofits focused on issues ranging from health to education, food systems, gender rights, sustainability, and more
- Business incubators and trade organizations
- Government agencies, with a focus on international affairs
- Journalism and media organizations
Whether you want to pursue a career overseas, work in the United States, or prepare for a graduate degree, take the first step with a Portland State University's African Studies certificate.
Fee Information
How to Apply
Submit Your Application and $60 Application Fee
Go to Portland State University's online application system and select Create Account. If you have already started an application, or created one for a past term, select Log In.
Submit Academic Records
You are required to submit complete academic records. We accept high school transcripts, grades and other relevant academic records along with your graduation certificate, diploma or exam results or certificates. If you have taken any college or university classes, submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You can submit unofficial transcripts from non-U.S. institutions for review of your application and to receive an admission decision. Official transcripts are required for enrollment, see our official records policy for details.
Electronic Submission: Transcripts may be submitted via Parchment or sent directly from a school official to [email protected].
In Person Submission: You can bring these directly to our office upon arrival to Portland State.
Mail Submission: Submit official transcripts in their original sealed envelopes from all schools attended and mail them to PSU at the address below.
Portland State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 751
Portland OR 97207-0751
Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency
Request official test results to be sent directly to Portland State University by ETS (TOEFL), PTE, or IELTS. Students who meet the academic requirements for admission to PSU, but have not yet met English proficiency requirements, will be admitted to PSU and placed into one of our ESL programs. Review PSU’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for more details.
- TOEFL Code: 4610, department code 00
- SAT Code: 4610
Check Your Application Status
If you have submitted an application to Portland State University, you can log in to PSU's application portal to review the status of your application. You will be notified via email for each document you submit and your admission decision.
If you are not receiving email communications from Portland State University, be sure to check your @pdx.edu email account. Once you set up your student account all communications will be sent to that email address. If you are not receiving information from us in any email inboxes, please contact us at [email protected].
United States of America, Aberdeen