Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies (CERT)
This 15-credit certificate blends theory, research and applied study in gender, sexuality and social justice. Students take core courses in feminist theory or community-engaged research and select electives across humanities and social sciences, preparing for careers in advocacy, policy, education, media and research that drive meaningful societal impact.
Graduate Certificate in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Program Website
Academic Plan Code(s): WGSTCWG
Program Information
The Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies graduate certificate is a 15 credit hour program for students who have completed a BS or BA degree in any field. Students with no prior coursework in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies may be required to take additional classes in preparation for admission to the certificate program.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the graduate certificate in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies is open to any student who has completed a BA or BS degree with a 3.0 overall GPA. Students may pursue the certificate outside the framework of a graduate degree program or in conjunction with a graduate degree program in another University of Louisville department.
Students wishing to pursue the certificate must apply for admission to the Graduate School by:
- Completing the online graduate application and submitting the application fee, and
- Submitting an official transcript reflecting previous degrees earned.
- At least two letters of recommendation.
Students must also send directly to Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies a one-to-two page letter of intent, describing how the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies graduate certificate will further their personal or professional goals.
Students wishing to pursue the graduate certificate in conjunction with a graduate degree program in another University of Louisville department should first apply and be admitted to the degree program before applying for admission to the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies graduate certificate program.
Program Requirements
- Students must complete a total of 15 credit hours in courses approved for graduate credit in accordance with the policies of the Graduate School, approved by the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies director of graduate studies.
- One course among the 15 credit hours must be selected from the list of approved Core Courses (Community Engaged Research Methods, History, or Theory); twelve (12) credit hours must be WGST electives. Core courses may also be used to satisfy electives.
- At least two courses must be at the 600-level.
- Coursework toward the graduate certificate in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies may also count toward the student's graduate degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework for the Graduate Certificate in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies | ||
| Required Foundation Course: | 3 | |
WGST 556 | Feminist Theory - WR | |
WGST 604 | Community Engaged Research Methods | |
WGST 608 | Queer Performance | |
WGST 611 | Transnational Feminism | |
WGST 613 | U.S. Social Justice Movements of the 20th Century | |
WGST 642 | African American Women and the History of Reproductive Justice | |
WGST 644 | Black Lesbian Lives | |
| Choose coursework from the following: | 12 | |
| Electives in Humanities | ||
WGST 523 | Gender and Popular Music - WR | |
WGST 547 | Language, Race, Class, and Gender | |
WGST 560 | Feminist Philosophical Literature | |
WGST 571 | Francophone Women Writers - WR | |
WGST 593 | Topics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies: Humanities | |
WGST 620 | Women's Personal Narratives | |
WGST 622 | The Body in Popular Media | |
WGST 641 | Feminism and Science Fiction | |
WGST 682 | Health and Social Justice | |
WGST 689 | Independent Study: Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies-Humanities | |
WGST 692 | Advanced Topics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies-Humanities | |
| Electives in Social Sciences | ||
WGST 538 | Woman and Sport | |
WGST 542 | African American Women and the History of Reproductive Justice | |
WGST 558 | Women in Developing Countries - WR | |
WGST 592 | Topics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies: Social Sciences - WR | |
WGST 612 | Gender, Race, Work, and Welfare | |
WGST 615 | Seminar in the Sociology of Disabilities | |
WGST 630 | Feminism in Western Civilization | |
WGST 631 | Women in the Twentieth Century in Europe and the U.S. | |
WGST 632 | History of American Sexualities | |
WGST 633 | Women in 19th-Century America | |
WGST 640 | Women's Health in Africa | |
WGST 643 | Black Women's Voices | |
WGST 645 | Southern Women: Black and White | |
WGST 656 | Feminist Theory | |
WGST 690 | Independent Study: Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies-Social Sciences | |
WGST 691 | Advanced Topics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies-Social Sciences | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |