Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) explores diverse perspectives on gender, sexuality, identity, and social justice. It is open to current UConn graduate students and external applicants.
Program Details
The Graduate Certificate in WGSS offers students the chance to develop their research and scholarship in gender and sexuality studies, transnational feminism, queer and transgender theory, race, disability studies, and digital humanities. Our curriculum brings together courses in history, human rights, sociology, and other disciplines, allowing students to explore various topics including:
- Feminist scholarship and methodologies.
- Social inequality and struggles for social justice.
- Ethical dilemmas faced by researchers.
- Critical race, indigenous, and queer studies.
Requirements and Courses
Students must complete a total of 12 credits, including:
- One of the following required courses:
- WGSS 5365: Feminist Epistemologies and Methodologies.
- WGSS 5366: Feminist Pedagogy.
- Nine credits of graduate-level elective courses in WGSS or cross-listed with WGSS. Visit the Academic Catalog for restrictions.
UConn students may view a continuously updated document for courses outside of WGSS that are approved and count towards the certificate. To access the document, you will need to log in with your NetID.
Outcomes and Careers
Earning a Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies prepares you for leadership roles in academia, education, nonprofit organizations, and more. Sample job titles held by graduates of our program include:
- Assistant Professor, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
- Assistant Professor of Crime and Justice Studies.
- Assistant Professor of English.
- Chair, General Education Department.
- Chapter Lead, Design Development and Technology Enablement.
- Director of Applied Learning Program.
- Director of Intensive Writing Program.
- Director of Humanities and Social Science Summer Bridge Program.
- Inaugural Director of External Affairs at a Nonprofit Health Organization.
- Professor of Sociology and Department Chair, PSY/SOC/Social Sciences.
Admissions
The Graduate Certificate in WGSS is open to both current UConn MA/Ph.D. candidates and non-degree students. Students interested in the graduate certificate are advised to contact the current chair of the Graduate Committee.
Current UConn Students
Current UConn graduate students may apply for the certificate through the UConn Graduate School.
- Under “Intended Program” on the online application form, please select:
- Level of Study: Certificate.
- Academic Areas: Humanities.
- Program: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Graduate Certificate.
- Provide a two-page personal statement detailing the relationship of the Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies to your academic or career goals.
- Provide your current resume or CV.
External Applicants/Non-Degree Students
Individuals who are not currently enrolled in a UConn graduate program may apply for the certificate through the UConn Graduate School.
- Under “Intended Program” on the online application form, please select:
- Level of Study: Certificate.
- Academic Areas: Humanities.
- Program: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Grad Certificate.
- Provide a two-page personal statement detailing the relationship of the Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies to your academic or career goals.
- Provide your current resume or CV.
- Provide one letter of recommendation from a professor familiar with your work.
- Provide unofficial transcript(s) for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $75.