The graduate Certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies (GWSS) requires 15 s.h. of coursework. All students must maintain a Graduate College major program grade-point average of at least 3.00 in work for the certificate.

Certificate requirements include a capstone course in which students work collectively with classmates and the director of graduate studies to revise an existing research-based project into a dynamic GWSS presentation, which they present at the annual Jakobsen Conference or, in some semesters, at a department-sponsored research celebration event.

Certificate students receive advising and research mentorship from the director of graduate studies, and also peer review as part of the scheduled capstone workshops.

The certificate program is open to University of Iowa graduate students working toward a degree; interested students should meet with the director of graduate studies to discuss the program's parameters and how the certificate might best support and enhance their course of study.

Students may not use the same course to satisfy more than one certificate requirement.

The Certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies requires the following coursework.

Electives

Certificate students complete three elective courses (9s.h.). Elective options include any gender, women, and sexuality studies course (prefix GWSS) or those with a GWSS cross-reference numbered 3000 or above. Students must take at least one elective with GWSS as the course subject. Students are strongly encouraged to include at least one course with a transnational focus; one course with a focus on U.S. diversity; and one interdisciplinary course on theories of gender, women, feminism, and/or sexuality (or a course squarely outside of their area of specialization). Students may count only one course in their home department as an elective for the Certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies. The director of graduate studies can advise and discuss coursework options and parameters with students.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.