Black Studies Certificate

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Next Application Deadline:
November 1, 2025
Credit hours: 12
Next Term Start Date:
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.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Please find key information about the Black Studies Certificate below.

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
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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

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.

Understanding Online Course Types

As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.

Learn More

Diagram explaining the differences between synchronous and asynchronous online courses.

Dr. Sunnie Rucker-Chang

Associate Professor
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Ryan Skinner

Associate Professor
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Testimonials

Learn from Ohio State students and graduates about their experience learning online.

Headshot of Cara North, Master of Learning Technologies Grad

“Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others.”

Cara North Ohio State Online Grad
Headshot of Darek Danek, MLT Grad

“Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program.”

Derek Danek Ohio State Online Grad
Headshot of Tomitha Zimmerman, MSW Grad

“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”

Tomitha Zimmerman Ohio State Online Grad

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. 

Get Started

Connect with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 80 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State. They are here to help you on your education journey.

Contact an Enrollment Advisor
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