The graduate Certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies (GWSS) requires 16 s.h. of coursework. All students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 3.00 in work for the certificate.
Certificate requirements include a foundations course and a capstone course. In GWSS:7400 Graduate Research Conference Presentation, students 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 symposium). Students receive advising and research mentorship from the director of graduate studies, as well as peer review in scheduled capstone workshops.
The certificate program is open to University of Iowa graduate students working toward a degree; interested students should contact 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GWSS:5000 | Foundations for Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| GWSS:7400 | Graduate Research Conference Presentation | 1 |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
Electives
Certificate students complete four elective courses (12 s.h.). 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 course on theories of gender, women, feminism, and/or sexuality. Where appropriate, GWSS courses offered in a student’s home department may count toward the certificate as elective coursework; however, students are encouraged to take at least one GWSS course outside their home department for the purpose of interdisciplinary breadth. The director of graduate studies can advise and discuss coursework options and parameters with students.