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Women and Gender Studies

Graduate Certificate in Women's and Gender Studies (WGS)

Director: Alison Bailey
Assistant Director and Academic Advisor: Becca Chase

The graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies is an option for students whose interest in women and gender issues leads them toward particular courses and thesis topics in their department/school and to seek further work in interdisciplinary feminist theory and methods.

Required Courses

This graduate certificate requires a 12-hour course of study. Students must complete either WGS 490 or ENG 460 and WGS 400 plus six hours selected from among the following courses: ANT 376; CJS 339; ENG 360 and 460; FCS 305, 327, 333 and 412; HIS 330; MUS 356.02; POL 337; PSY 305; SOC 311, 341, 366, 469.03 and 469.11; and WGS 391. With the approval of the academic advisor, director, and the Graduate School, additional courses may be approved for the certificate. To qualify, other courses should devote at least 50 percent of content to women’s and gender issues.

New Courses in 2008

New courses are available this spring! Check out WS 391, which offers duel credit with the Latin American and Latino/a Studies minor. A number of selected topics courses are also offered.

Admission Requirements

Students who seek the certificate in conjunction with a graduate degree program must meet admission requirements for that degree and also be admitted for the certificate. Non-degree-seeking graduate students must meet the university graduate admission requirements and be admitted for the certificate. Degree-seeking graduate students should consult their graduate program coordinator/advisor as well as the Women’s and Gender Studies academic advisor. Non-degree-seeking graduate students desiring to apply for the graduate certificate should contact the Women's and Gender Studies academic advisor.  Admission for all certificate students is made upon the recommendation of the Women’s and Gender Studies director and academic advisor.

Graduate Certificate Process

You can apply for the Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) graduate certificate at any time, even after you have completed Women's and Gender Studies courses. To apply, follow the instructions below:

1. Complete the ISU graduate certificate application form.

2. Complete the Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) graduate certificate application.

3. Send the Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) graduate certificate application and a copy of your transcript (unofficial is okay) to the Women's and Gender Studies program. After receiving your application forms, the director and advisor will make a decision. Once you are accepted, we will send you confirmation via email.

4. When you receive your notice of acceptance, please contact Dr. Becca Chase, Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) assistant director, for an appointment to set up your plan of study.

5. After completing your courses, meet with the Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) assistant director for your exit interview, and complete the application for completion of a non-degree certificate.

Helpful Links:
Graduate Certificate Application Form (PDF)
Illinois State University Graduate School Application