Graduate Certificates of Concentration
Graduate and professional school students at Yale the opportunity to earn a certificate of concentration through the MacMillan Center in one of five areas: African Studies, European and Russian Studies, Latin American & Iberian Studies, Middle East Studies, and Translation Studies.
These certificates allow students to deepen their cultural expertise and strengthen their academic credentials, complementing their primary field of study with an interdisciplinary, global perspective. By completing a certificate, students demonstrate advanced knowledge in their chosen region or field—combining their disciplinary focus with broad geographic, cultural, and linguistic understanding.
General Requirements
The certificate is awarded only upon successful completion of both the certificate criteria and your Yale degree program. To earn a certificate, students typically must:
- Complete six graduate-level courses in the area of concentration, spanning at least two different fields (language courses do not count toward this total).
- Demonstrate language proficiency in at least one language relevant to the area of concentration (beyond English). Some programs or circumstances may require proficiency in two languages.
- Submit an interdisciplinary research paper addressing multiple countries, drawing on more than one discipline, and exploring a transregional or transnational theme relevant to the area of concentration.
Specific requirements may vary by certificate. Learn more about the certificate applications, requirements, and eligible courses:
Details on General Requirements
Coursework
- Courses taken towards the degree program at Yale may count towards both the degree and the certificate.
- Courses must be from at least two different fields, and only two may be "directed readings" or "independent study." No more than four may count from any one discipline or school.
- Only graduate-level literature courses may count towards the course requirement, with exceptions made at faculty discretion.
- Coursework must demonstrate comparative knowledge of the region as a whole and its larger thematic concerns, e.g. environment or migration.
- A minimum grade of High Pass (HP) must be obtained for a course to count.
Language Proficiency
- Language proficiency requirements may vary across certificate programs that have them. However, most ask that students demonstrate the equivalent ability of two years of relevant language study, encompassing reading, writing, and oral communication skills.
- Students may demonstrate proficiency through coursework, testing, or other approved means.
Interdisciplinary Research Paper
- The paper must result from original research conducted under faculty member supervision, in a graduate seminar, in an independent research course, or in field research.
- Qualifying papers must be fully footnoted with a complete bibliography.
- Two council faculty members ordinarily read the paper, but a third reader may be requested as circumstances warrant.
Progress Reports and Award Filing
- Students must submit a progress report and a copy of their unofficial transcript to the council faculty chair at the end of each term. A brief narrative on engagement with relevant council activities and updates on overseas regional experience would be ideal.
- Students seeking to file for the final award should contact the council by the end of the term prior to award.
- As grades are finalized, the council will confirm that the candidate has met the requirements of both the home degree and certificate. The certificate award may be retrieved in person from the council or by mail after commencement.
Pursuit of Two Certificates
- No course may count for both council requirements.
- Each certificate must be earned and approved independently.
- Any award of two certificates requires review and approval by the MacMillan Center's deputy director.
Please reach out to the program director of the relevant council for more information.