The Institute for Women's and Gender Studies offers a 17-hour undergraduate certificate in LGBTQ Studies. Download the application for admission to the LGBTQ Studies Certificate The purpose of this undergraduate certificate is to provide students with an understanding of the interdisciplinary scholarship and teaching on the role of sexuality in culture and politics. This certificate will foster theoretical reflection on the history of social difference and how it connects to sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, and class. The IWS is comprised of core and affiliate faculty with expertise in a wide range of approaches to the study of sexuality, gender, and culture, making the IWS uniquely able to provide students access to this body of cutting-edge theories, methodologies, and empirical research. All certificate candidates are required to take WGST 1000: Seminars in Women’s and Gender Studies, WGST 2300: Introduction to LGBTQ Studies, WGST 3100: Diversity in LGBTQ Politics, WGST 4100: Queer Theories, and WGST 4910: Research and Methods in LGBTQ Studies. The six (6) remaining hours will be composed of two (2) electives approved by the certificate director. Students are not required to take WGST 2300, 3100, or 4100 before taking other courses on the list. However, departmental prerequisites do apply. Students should consult the current Bulletin for the prerequisites set by the respective departments for all the courses allowed. As we work to increase the number of WGST and cross-listed courses, the undergraduate coordinator will work with students to make sure they are able to satisfy the elective requirements. However, permission to do this will only be granted on a case-by-case basis. When students have completed all certificate coursework and have senior class standing, they must “apply to graduate” on Athena and contact the undergraduate coordinator in order to schedule an exit interview. Undergraduate Certificate in LGBT Studies Required Courses (11 hours):WGST 1000, Seminars on Women’s and Gender Studies (1 hour)WGST 2300, Introduction to LGBTQ Studies (3 hours)WGST 3100, Diversity in LGBTQ Politics (3 hours)WGST 4100/6100, Queer Theories (3 hours)WGST 4910, Research and Methods in LGBTQ Studies (1 hour) Plus, WGST/cross-listed electives & qualified non-WGST elective coursework (6 hours). See Courses Listed Appropriate substitutions may be petitioned. A minimum grade of "C" in each course is required for certificate credit.
