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Graduate Certificate

Why Earn a Gender Studies Certificate?
In Gender Studies, students and faculty draw on the rich body of interdisciplinary feminist scholarship to investigate emerging theories and research on women, men, gender and their intersections with race and class. Courses examine gender roles and structures across different times and cultures, enabling students to broaden their educational experience and develop new insights into their own lives and aspirations. GS classes promote the exchange of knowledge among people of different genders, classes, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and cultural conditions.

The graduate certificate in Gender Studies is designed for students who wish to receive post-baccalaureate training. The certificate is available to students with Bachelor’s degrees and students enrolled in graduate degree programs. A student need not be enrolled in a degree program to earn the GS graduate certificate.

What are the Graduate Certificate Requirements?
The graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies is designed for students who wish to receive post-baccalaureate training in gender studies.

To apply, call GS (516-5581) or Graduate Admissions (516-5458) for application materials.

Admission Requirements:

For Admission:

  • Baccalaureate degree
  • 2.75 G.P.A.
  • Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate/graduate work.
  • Two letters of recommendation.

If you are not currently enrolled at UM-St. Louis, you must apply through the Graduate School.  The certificate is available to students with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and students enrolled in graduate degree programs.  A student need not be enrolled in a degree program to earn the GS graduate certificate.

Post B.A./B.S. students may enroll in the undergraduate or graduate certificate program.

Certificate Requirements:

At least 18 hours of Women’s and Gender Studies courses at the 4000, 5000, and/or 6000 level. 

  1. 3 hours must include a graduate feminist or gender theory course, which may be GS 5033 Advanced Sexuality and Gender Theory, GS 5040 Feminist Critical Theory, or other theory course.
  2. 3 hours must include either a graduate internship or practicum, or final writing project, which may be an independent study GS 6452 Special Readings in Gender Studies, or a substantial research and writing project for a GS graduate seminar, which may be GS 6450 Seminar in Women’s and Gender Studies, or other cross-listed, 5000 or 6000 level  seminar.
  3. 12 hours must be at the 5000 level or above, while up to 6 hours of 4000-level courses may be taken for graduate credit, as long as student completes graduate-level work for the course.
  4. No more than 6 hours may be taken as Directed or Independent Study credit.

Most GS courses are cross-listed with other departments and count toward department’s degree requirements as well as toward the certificate.

If you are interested in more information about our certificate programs, please contact Sally Ebest, Director, (314) 516-6383, Kathleen Nigro, Program Advisor, or Fern Mreen, Administrative Associate, (314) 516-5581. You will find us in 212 Clark Hall. Candidates for undergraduate or graduate certificates are asked to register with GS after taking one or two courses. You will then be enrolled in the program and your name will be placed on our mailing list for class information and announcements of upcoming events.