The Institute for Women's 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 WMST 1000: Seminars in Women’s Studies and Gender, WMST 2300: Introduction to LGBTQ Studies, WMST 3100: Diversity in LGBTQ Politics, WMST 4100: Queer Theories, and WMST 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 WMST 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 WMST 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):WMST 1000, Seminars on Women’s Studies and Gender (1 hour)WMST 2300, Introduction to LGBTQ Studies (3 hours)WMST 3100, Diversity in LGBTQ Politics (3 hours)WMST 4100/6100, Queer Theories (3 hours)WMST 4910, Research and Methods in LGBTQ Studies (1 hour) Plus, WMST/cross-listed electives & qualified non-WMST 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.
