Black Studies Certificate

November 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
Ohio State’s online Black Studies certificate is an interdisciplinary undergraduate certificate program that provides an introduction to Black Studies as it relates to African American, African Diaspora, and African Studies. You’ll delve into African American studies through topics including the field’s geographic and demographic scope, methods and modes of analysis, topical and thematic concerns, applications to interdisciplinary teaching and learning, and commitments to community outreach and engagement.
This certificate is beneficial for teachers seeking to integrate Black Studies into their classwork or enhance their knowledge to teach AP Black Studies at the high school level. It is also beneficial for those looking to pursue further focused study in the discipline, high school graduates looking to explore African American and African Studies as a bridge to future college study, and working professionals wanting to enhance their knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions
Please find key information about the Black Studies Certificate below.
The Black Studies Certificate requires 12 credit hours and can be completed in about 1 year or 2-4 semesters.
You will learn how to communicate the significance of Black Studies, better relate to and engage with minoritized populations, and apply Black Studies content, perspectives, and practices to every aspect of your life.
The Black Studies certificate is open to anyone with a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, or college credit plus students.
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Academic Calendar
The Black Studies certificate offers enrollment periods the spring and autumn.
Academic Calendar
The Black Studies certificate offers enrollment periods the spring and autumn.
Admission Criteria
The Online Black Studies Certificate is open to both undergraduate and post-bachelor students. Undergraduate students include those with a high school diploma or GED as well as those currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at Ohio State. Post-bachelor students may also complete this online certificate as a stand-alone program.
Undergraduate Criteria:
- High school diploma or GED with transcript
Post-Bachelor Criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree with transcript
- Minimum 2.0 college GPA

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
The Black Studies Certificate offers individuals the opportunity to engage deeply with the histories, cultural contributions, and societal experiences of Black communities. This academic foundation is valuable in a wide range of fields, including journalism, public service, education, and communications. Graduates gain skills in critical analysis, historical interpretation, and cultural literacy that support careers in research, teaching, writing, and civic engagement. The certificate also enhances professional pathways for those interested in contributing to more informed dialogue and understanding across diverse settings.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Work Activities
Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers. Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs. Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $34,590
- Mid Level: $60,280
- Senior Level: $162,430
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
-2.7%
Related Careers
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
- Editors
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
- Producers and Directors
- Writers and Authors
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Work Activities
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems. Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes. Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $83,790
- Mid Level: $140,030
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.5%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Human Resources Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
What They Do
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Work Activities
Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising information. Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium. Present drafts and ideas to clients.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $41,080
- Mid Level: $72,270
- Senior Level: $133,680
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
5.1%
Related Careers
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Advertising Sales Agents
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Search Marketing Strategists
Job Sectors
- Sales and Marketing
- Communications and Media
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Work Activities
Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior. Prepare publications and reports containing research findings. Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $60,710
- Mid Level: $101,690
- Senior Level: $168,590
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.9%
Related Careers
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Political Scientists
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Sectors
- Sociology and Anthropology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- History and Archeology
What They Do
Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Activities
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $49,330
- Mid Level: $82,540
- Senior Level: $167,240
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
3.4%
Related Careers
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- History and Archeology
What They Do
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Work Activities
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health. Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,050
- Mid Level: $62,970
- Senior Level: $100,980
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
-0.7%
Related Careers
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Tutors
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Philosophy and Theology
- Mathematics
- Psychology
What They Do
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Work Activities
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities. Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,330
- Mid Level: $64,580
- Senior Level: $104,670
Job Outlook
Below Average
Related Careers
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Tutors
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Psychology
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
Work Activities
Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises. Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions. Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $45,030
- Mid Level: $68,090
- Senior Level: $100,870
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
9.7%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Activities
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,730
- Mid Level: $81,500
- Senior Level: $158,140
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
0.9%
Related Careers
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Sectors
- History and Archeology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- Geography
What They Do
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Work Activities
Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts. Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals. Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $38,630
- Mid Level: $74,050
- Senior Level: $128,500
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.7%
Related Careers
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Archivists
- Curators
- History Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociologists
Job Sectors
- History and Archeology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Education and Training
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. An up or down arrow indicates projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Black Studies curriculum at Ohio State provides a thorough and multifaceted examination of Black histories, cultures, and movements.
Introduction to the scholarly study of the Africana experience, focusing on patterns of resistance, adaptation, diversity, and transnational connections.
This course is a multidisciplinary introduction to the history, peoples, and cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa. Via a diverse set of sources and mediums, including films, literature, visual art, human rights reports, etc., students will be introduced to a number of important expressions, ideas, episodes, events, and trends in Africa, past and present.
This course introduces students to the history and present of the Black World, encompassing both the African continent and its diasporas. Students will explore the historical events and the ideologies that shaped global Blackness and examine political, cultural, social, and religious expressions among a variety of communities within the global African diaspora.
Examination of contemporary black urban experience focused on the impact of residential segregation, increasing class polarization, and the global force of hip hop culture.
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Program Faculty
The faculty teaching the Black Studies Certificate program at Ohio State are a distinguished group of scholars who are passionately dedicated to advancing the study of Black histories, cultures, and sociology. With expertise spanning a wide range of disciplines, including history, sociology, literature, and cultural studies, these educators bring a variety of perspectives and a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge to the program.

Tiyi Morris
Associate Professor
Dr. Tiyi M. Morris is Associate Professor of African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University at Newark and director of the Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project (OPEEP). She received her B.A. in African & African American Studies and Liberal Studies from Emory University, and a Master’s and Ph.D. in American Studies from Purdue University. She is a Civil Rights historian who studies Black women’s social and political activism. Dr. Morris’ interdisciplinary research and teaching combines the fields of African American and African Studies; Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies; and American History. With this focus, she has taught courses such as 20th century US History; Gender, Sex and Power; Black Feminist Thought; The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements; and Social (In)Justice and the Black Experience.
Dr. Morris is the author of Womanpower Unlimited and the Black Freedom Struggle in Mississippi (UGA Press, 2015). Her work has also appeared in Southern Black Women in the Civil Rights Era (1954-1974): A State By State Study (Texas A&M Press, 2013), Comrades: A Local History of the Black Panther Party (IU Press, 2007), and Groundwork: Local Black Freedom Struggles in America (NYU Press, 2005).
Teaching in African American and African Studies, a discipline that emerged from social justice movements, her curricula underscore the need to create a more just and equitable society. Dr. Morris believes her role as an educator is to help dismantle systems of oppression by liberating the minds of students and empowering them to challenge the oppressions they face and/or perpetuate. She began teaching prison-based classes in 2019 to support the discipline’s mission to connect the community to the campus and actualize a philosophy of education as the practice of freedom. She views her teaching in correctional institutions as a way to connect theory and practice and to engage in the community work that makes our intellectual endeavors relevant to the larger Black community and society as a whole.
Dr. Sunnie Rucker-Chang
Associate Professor
Ryan Skinner
Associate Professor
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Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student. Actual costs may vary. Please note that summer semester instructional and general fees are 75% of the cost of autumn and spring fees, and this will decrease your total cost for the program.
Tuition Fees | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) |
---|---|
Instructional Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $522.71 |
Instructional Fee (Summer) | $392.03 |
General Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $23.79 |
General Fee (Summer) | $17.84 |
Learning Technology Fee | $13.50 |
Program Fee | $9.50 |
Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) |
Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) |
International Surcharge (if applicable) | $129.29 (per credit hour) |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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