Study African American Studies at University of Houston, a Graduate Certificate degree offered at its main campus in Houston, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 1 year to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 21, 2026.

About Graduate Certificate in African American Studies

The Graduate Certificate in the Department of African American Studies Program is a nine-hour disciplinary concentration open to students in all UH graduate and professional degree programs. It is also open to post-baccalaureate professionals (including teachers, social service providers, policymakers, and others) interested in enhancing their knowledge and understanding of Africana phenomena.

The Graduate Certificate in the Department of African American Studies introduces students to advanced discussions, analyses, theoretical perspectives, and research methodologies in the discipline of Africana Studies. In addition, it provides intellectual breadth to a student's course of study, increasing the depth and coherence of the student's work within her/his primary field of study on critical issues concerning Africana phenomena. Africana Studies is a distinct academic discipline that engages Africa-centered research and teaching through an interdisciplinary approach to scholarly inquiry. Employing tools from the humanities and social sciences for academic study, research, and teaching, Africana Studies explores the varied dimensions of the human experience – that is, phenomena, ideas, events, peoples, and personalities – from the perspective of the interests of African people in the United States and their relationship to themselves and to African and other peoples in the world.

Disciplines

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in African American Studies at University of Houston

Entry Requirements

Transcript of all semesters attended
Degree Certificate/Diploma
English Translation of Transcript
English Translation of Degree Certificate/Diploma

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Fee Information

Application Fee 80

How to Apply

Step 1: Start an Application

The University of Houston Graduate School uses ApplyWeb for the processing of graduate applications. Proceed to the link below to create an ApplyWeb account, submit an application, review a submitted application, and access post-submission functionality.

Step 2: Choose a Program

Admissions requirements vary by program. Please consult the program website to verify which information is required to complete the application.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Scanned copies of official transcripts can be uploaded as PDF files and may be used by programs to make admission decisions. Please follow these instructions to properly scan and upload your transcript. If admitted, however, you will not be able to enroll without the official transcript(s) showing undergraduate degree conferral on file. For International Students, who wish to enroll after receiving acceptance, official transcripts and degree certificates must be sent to the University of Houston Graduate School in envelopes sealed and stamped by the issuing university. Electronic academic documents sent from international institutions will not be accepted.

Students whose universities issue only one set of official documents can have their academic records attested and signed by the university registrar certifying the documents are true copies of the originals or may bring the original document to the Graduate School for authentication upon arrival at University of Houston.

Official transcript(s) should be sent to:

Regular Mail:	Express Mail:	Electronic or "Speede" Transcript:
University of Houston Graduate Admissions P.O. Box 3947 Houston, TX 77253-3947	University of Houston Graduate Admissions 4302 University Dr, Rm 102 Houston, TX 77204-2012	Within the U.S., the fastest way to send your transcript is electronically. Please inquire at your previous institution about this option. Electronic transcripts can be delivered via email to gradschool@uh.edu.

Step 4: Submit Test Scores

Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, etc.) should be sent by the testing agency. Refer to the program's website for test score requirements. Use school code 6870 when reporting test scores to University of Houston.
International applicants have to satisfy English proficiency requirements via satisfactory scores on the TOEFL or IELTS standardized exams. Use school code 6870 to report TOEFL scores. IELTS scores should be sent electronically to The University of Houston.

The scores that you submit must be valid and reportable at the time you submit your application (within the last five years for the GRE or GMAT and two years for the TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or Duolingo).

Step 5: Submit Required Documents

Letters of Recommendation are gathered electronically. You will be asked to provide e-mail addresses of your references. Refer to the program's website for the required number of letters.
Personal Statement requirements vary by program. Refer to the program's website for instructions.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae requirements vary by program. Refer to the program's website for instructions.
Additional/Supplemental Materials may include a writing sample, a portfolio, a self-study, etc. Refer to the program's website for instructions.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Application fees are $50 for domestic applicants, $80 for international applicants and $25 for non-degree (Certificate based programs). Limited application fee waivers are available. Please check with program regarding eligibility for application fee waivers.

International Students

(If you have attended an institution outside of the United States, please see the Graduate School's International Applicants Transcript Information for country-specific requirements.

International applicants are strongly encouraged to upload the following documents, which will be required to obtain a student visa if admitted:
- A scanned copy of passport page(s) showing full name, date of birth, passport number and expiration date, photo of the passport holder
- Financial Backing