Why study women, gender, and sexuality studies?
WGSS was built out of the dual goals of examining inequalities resulting from gender, race, sexual orientation, and class using an interdisciplinary lens and translating this research into meaningful, tangible knowledge that contributes to the betterment of communities. Our interdisciplinary faculty members are engaged in research that examines many of the cutting-edge issues vexing contemporary times, both domestically and internationally, such as discrimination, violence, human trafficking, health and inequality, and migration, to name a few. The common thread throughout these different areas of research is the focus on investigating the factors that create and contribute to vulnerability and power across time and geography.
WGSS students learn about the ways in which people's roles in society have been constructed and the ways in which these roles have changed and continue to change. WGSS courses will make you informed about, and sensitive to, issues of gender in relation to education, lifestyle, social roles and status, sexuality, legal status, and equity. You may face these issues at work, in society, and in your world; WGSS courses will help you to deal with them in an informed, responsible, and just manner.
What will women, gender, & sexuality studies give me?
- Awareness of the issues facing people of all genders – and the world – today.
- Knowledge of many different academic fields.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Strong writing and researching abilities.
- A solid base on which to enter the workforce, pursue further education, and have an impact in the world.
- Graduates of WGSS go on to do many different things, and the possibilities are endless.
Admission to Graduate Studies
An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Graduate Admission
Any applicant seeking to pursue a graduate certificate in Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies must submit an online application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
New Applicants
Applicants who are not already enrolled in a KU graduate program should include the following materials in their application to the certificate program.
- Statement of purpose (no longer than one page, single spaced)
- Copy of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation
Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements.
Current KU Graduate Students
Applicants already in a KU graduate program must be in good standing with their home department to be eligible for admission the certificate program. Current KU graduate students must provide the following materials in their online application.
- Statement of purpose (no longer than one page, single spaced)
- Letter of support from home academic department
- Current KU advising report
Contact
Visit the Department of Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies website for detailed information about graduate certificate admissions requirements.
Graduate Certificate Requirements
The Graduate Certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies requires completion of 12 credit hours of graduate work, including:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 6 |
| History of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies | |
| Feminist Theory (or an alternate WGSS theory course with permission of the Director of Graduate Study) | |
| Feminist Methodologies | |
| 6 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
