College of Humanities and Social Sciences

We are excited to let you know that our Women and Gender Studies minor and certificate programs are in the process of being re-imagined and re-invigorated.  For questions about the current status of these programs, please contact Janet Anderson, Vice Provost, at janet.anderson@usu.edu or (435) 797-2104 or Sarah Timmerman at sarah.timmerman@usu.edu or (435) 797-3703.

About the Women and Gender Studies Graduate - Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies Program provides a base of study that addresses the intersecting issues of gender, age, race, ethnicity, class, regionalism, nationalism, sexual identity, etc., as they affect women and men. The certificate is complementary to a wide variety of graduate programs and is also available as a standalone certificate.

A flexible, interdisciplinary academic program, Women and Gender Studies (WGS) is unique at USU in bringing together women and men of all ethnicities and sexual identities to explore the many ways in which gender influences people’s lives and worldviews. Courses focus on the role of gender in human culture, examining the dynamics of sex roles and gender ideals, both historically and in the present. Through coursework and research, students engage in the study of femininities and masculinities, as well as the social forces that construct these gender identities, from many perspectives.

Requirements of the Program

The Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies requires 12-credit hours at the graduate level. Feminist Theories WGS 6910 and Feminist Research Methods WGS 6920 are required courses. Two additional 3-credit graduate level courses that are WGS courses or WGS-approved electives are required. 

All online courses in this certificate program will be taught in English. International students from non-English speaking countries are expected to be able to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, with the instructor as well as other fellow students in the class.