Graduate Certificate in Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies
The 12-credit graduate certificate gives students formal recognition for graduate-level training in GWS. Most earn it alongside a master's degree in another field, adding a specialization that sets them apart.
Two core seminars anchor the program. Students from different disciplines learn from one another and study how gender, sexuality and power shape research and teaching. Along the way, students can gain professional experience preparing to teach GWS or working in a GWS internship.
The certificate pairs well with careers in education, policy, health care, counseling, social work, government, law, journalism, human resources and advocacy. It's also a strong credential for students who plan to teach GWS or continue their graduate study.
Program Structure
Required courses (6 credits): Feminist Thought and Seminar in Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies
Two additional 3-credit courses (6 credits), chosen from approved options in education, English, French, geography, history, counseling, interdisciplinary studies and sociology, when taught by GWS faculty on a gender, women's or sexuality topic
See the 2026-27 Graduate Bulletin for the complete course list.