Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Certificate

(Code 485-601)

For advising, contact the Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department.

The Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is designed for students who have a strong interest in developing a feminist lens to analyze systems of power with a focus on social justice but are not able to complete the requirements for a major or minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The certificate might appeal to those students who have limited opportunity to explore academic areas beyond their major discipline.

Currently enrolled degree-seeking students in good standing in the University or University Special Students are eligible to complete a Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Students are required to take a minimum of 15 credits, including:
WGSS 100Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies3
WGSS 300Introduction to Feminist Theories3
WGSS 335Transnational Feminism3
The remaining six credits are to be selected from either WGSS courses or courses cross-listed with WGSS. 16
1

WGSS Certificate students may apply a maximum of three credits to the Certificate from WGSS 395, WGSS 397, and WGSS 498.

 

Note 1: Courses cannot be counted in both the major and the certificate program.

Note 2: Though there are no prerequisites for the Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; there may be prerequisites for some of the courses that are a part of the Certificate. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Explain the social workings of power, privilege and oppression across a range of cultures and experiences.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a range of feminist, queer, and critical race theories and methodologies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use transnational feminist frameworks to critically analyze power and systems of oppression in a globalizing world.