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American Founding and Constitution

Graduate Certificate in the American Founding and Constitution

Advance Your Understanding of America’s Founding and Constitutional Principles

The American Founding and the Constitution Graduate Certificate program provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the legal, philosophical, political, and historical foundations of the United States. Through discussion-based courses focused on primary sources, historical documents, and foundational debates, students will develop a deep and advanced understanding of both the American Founding and the Constitution, examining their origins, evolution, and lasting impact on governance, law, and civic life.

This four-course, graduate-level program is designed for educators, professionals, and scholars seeking to enhance their knowledge of American constitutionalism, the foundational ideas that shaped the nation, and how the Constitution has been interpreted and applied over time.

Why Choose This Program?

  • Engage with Primary Texts – Study key documents, speeches, and writings from the Founding Era and constitutional history, including The Federalist Papers, the Constitution, landmark Supreme Court cases, and Tocqueville’s Democracy in America.

  • Interdisciplinary Approach – Courses draw from history, philosophy, political science, economics, and law.

  • Funded Field Experience – Explore Revolutionary Philadelphia through archival research and immersive study in a funded field experience (see below for more details). 

  • Flexible Learning – Designed to accommodate working professionals with online and hybrid course offerings.

  • Scholarships Available - Tuition scholarships up to $500 per course are available for eligible students.  
  • Priority Access to CEU's - Students in the program receive priority access to American Founding and Constitution programs offering educators opportunities to earn continuing education units.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

  • Critically Analyze Foundational Documents – Evaluate key texts from the Founding Era and constitutional history to assess their influence on American political thought and legal development.

  • Interpret Historical and Constitutional Perspectives – Assess key debates from the Founding period and subsequent constitutional interpretations, exploring their impact on American society and institutions.

  • Understand the Development of the Nation and its Constitution – Analyze how philosophical, political, and economic ideas from the Founding era contributed to the shaping of the United States and the evolution of constitutional governance.

Required Courses

AFAC 550: Philadelphia: The Revolutionary City – 3 credits (Summer 2026 - Pending curricular approval)

Examine the pivotal period of the American Revolution and Constitutional Convention. Students will explore the transformative nature of the American Experiment through primary sources, focusing on the political, social, and economic forces that led to independence and the drafting of the Constitution.

  • Funded Field Experience: AFAC 550 includes a visit to Philadelphia, where students will conduct archival research, analyze historical documents, and develop high-quality teaching materials. Participants will work in archives such as the American Philosophical Society Library and the Library Company of Philadelphia while exploring key Revolutionary-era sites.  Thanks to a generous donation, student housing, meals, and educational experiences during the week-long experience are provided by the program. Students are responsible for transportation to and from Philadelphia and incidental expenses. 

AFAC 551: American Foundations and the Constitution – 3 credits (Fall 2025 - Pending curricular approval)

This course explores the philosophical foundations of American democracy and the U.S. Constitution. Students will engage with the writings of John Locke, the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, the debates surrounding the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, early Supreme Court decisions, and Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations on American democracy. The course will provide a deeper understanding of both the principles that shaped the nation and how the Constitution has been interpreted and applied throughout history.

Elective Courses (Choose Two)

AFAC 552: The History of American Economic Development: From Colonies to Reconstruction – 3 Credits (Summer 2026 - Pending curricular approval)

Analyze the economic foundations of the United States, from colonial mercantilism to post-Civil War Reconstruction. Topics include the competing economic visions of Hamilton and Jefferson, the economics of slavery, and the long-term effects of early American economic policies.

AFAC 555: Franklin: The First American – 3 credits (Spring 2026 - Pending curricular approval)

Explore the political and economic thought of Benjamin Franklin through his essays, letters, and publications. Topics include his contributions to governance, commerce, diplomacy, and civic responsibility. The course contextualizes Franklin’s writings within the broader intellectual landscape of the 18th century.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for:

  • Educators seeking to deepen their understanding of American history, government, and constitutional development.

  • Policy professionals and legal scholars exploring the historical foundations and evolving interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.

  • Individuals interested in civic engagement and the philosophical principles of democracy.

Program Format

  • Total Credits: 12 (Four graduate-level courses)

  • Delivery Mode: Online and hybrid options available

  • Duration: Can be completed in as little as one year

Get Started

Take the next step in your journey to understanding the American Founding and the U.S. Constitution. Learn more about enrollment requirements, deadlines, and tuition.

For more information, contact Dr. Mack Mariani at marianim@xavier.edu.