Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate Programs are usually three to four course (9-12 credit) programs that allow students to gain advanced knowledge and skills in just one or two semesters. Importantly, Certificate courses enable students to build a compelling professional portfolio that showcases their deep engagement with ideas and technologies.

Graduate Certificate in American Studies

The History Department administers the Graduate Certificate in American Studies. This certificate is designed for students who wish to study the culture, history, and civilization of the United States from an inter– and multidisciplinary perspective. Students may pursue the program to complement disciplinary master’s or doctoral degree programs such as English, History, Anthropology, African American and African Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theatre, Music, or History of Art. Students who are enrolled in the program explore the techniques, materials, and perspectives of American studies, American history, and American literature, as well as other related disciplines or thematic units.

Admission

  • Must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at Michigan State
  • The program of study must be approved by the Graduate Chairperson in the Department of History
  • Apply using this form

Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits, of which 6 credits must come from units other than the student’s primary degree program. For students pursuing a dual degree, 6 credits must come from units other than the student’s two degree programs.

                   
1. Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):  
  HST 800 Historiography of the United States to 1865 3
  HST 801 Historiography of the United States Since 1865 3
  HST 807 Readings in Early American and U.S. History 3
2. Complete one of the following courses (3 credits):  
  ENG 818 Studies in Genre and Media 3
  ENG 819 Special Topics in Language and Literature 3
  ENG 826 Special Topics Seminar 3
3. Complete 6 credits in course work from English, History, Anthropology, African American and African Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theatre, Music, or History of Art. A list of approved courses is available in the Department of History. Courses, if appropriate, may be used from other departments with approval of the Graduate Chairperson.  

Please make sure that your major professor signs the form granting their approval.

Other Programs

MSU offers many other certificate programs and specializations that you might consider, including but not limited to: