Undergraduate Certificate Program
Why Earn a Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate?In Women’s and Gender Studies, students and faculty draw on the rich body of interdisciplinary feminist scholarship to investigate emerging theories and research on women, men, and gender. Similar to a minor, a Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate supplements a student’s traditional academic major by promoting critical analysis of gender roles and structures across different times and cultures. Earning a certificate not only enables students to broaden their educational experience and develop new insights into their own lives and aspirations, but it also facilitates employment in a wide variety of occupations.
WGS classes promote the exchange of knowledge among people of different genders, classes, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and cultural conditions. Taught by committed and dynamic faculty, WGS courses enjoy strong reputations for student-centered, lively, and supportive classroom experiences. Day and evening courses are offered. Women’s and Gender Studies courses are open to all students, whether or not they are working toward a certificate.
What Are the Undergraduate Certificate Requirements?
Program Admission: Undergraduate certificate candidates must meet the University’s general education requirements. Applicants must have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.5 and must maintain a minimum 2.5 G.P.A. in WGS courses. Students must take at least 18 hours in Women’s and Gender Studies courses.
9 hours must include 3 core courses:
- IWGS 2102 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
- IWGS 3033 Sexuality and Gender Theory or other 3000-5000 level course in feminist or gender theory.
- Capstone Experience: Students must complete a final research project or practicum. The Capstone requirement may be satisfied by WGS 4352 Independent Study in Women’s and Gender Studies, WGS 4353 Internship in Women’s and Gender Studies, or by a 4000-level WGS course or other 4000-level seminar where student completes a final research and writing project that focuses on women’s and gender studies.
9 hours may be cross-listed courses with student’s major department or WGS electives from various disciplines.
If you are interested in more information about our certificate programs, please contact Kathy Gentile, Director, (314) 516-6383, Kathleen Nigro, Assistant Director, or Fern Mreen, Administrative Associate, (314) 516-5581. You will find us in 212 Clark Hall. Candidates for undergraduate or graduate certificates are asked to register with IWGS after taking one or two courses. You will then be enrolled in the program and your name will be placed on our mailing list for class information and announcements of upcoming events.
