Certificate in Gender Studies

Hours: 12 Online

About

The Certificate in Gender Studies at FHSU is a 12-credit certificate that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of women’s roles in society throughout history.

The certificate explores women’s studies and gender theory through coursework in various disciplines, including history, literature, sociology, psychology, political science, and more. Students gain critical thinking skills while examining feminist approaches to social justice, human rights, and contemporary issues.

Why pursue a Certificate in Gender Studies at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Gender Studies stands out for its entirely online format, allowing students to enroll and complete coursework at their own pace, regardless of location.

Fort Hays State University offers exceptional flexibility for working professionals and students with demanding schedules. While traditional certificates often require on-campus attendance, limiting accessibility, the online format eliminates this barrier, making feminist education more accessible to a broader audience.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is designed for a diverse audience interested in exploring gender roles and their impact on society. Below is a breakdown of those who can benefit most from this certificate:

Working professionals
Students with demanding schedules
Individuals seeking broader knowledge
Those interested in feminist theory
People with specific interests

Real-World Applications

The certificate is designed to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to address gender issues in the real world. Drawing from faculty expertise across disciplines such as sociology, psychology, communication, and visual arts, the certificate allows students to explore topics like women’s lives, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and the intersections within society.

This undergraduate certificate caters to a wide audience, providing a strong foundation in feminist theory and scholarship. Students will develop the ability to critically analyze gender and its role in various aspects of life. Elective courses offer the flexibility to tailor studies to specific interests, such as Black women’s studies, health disparities, or the impact of globalization on women’s experiences.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The Certificate in Gender Studies remains at the forefront of the field by ensuring its curriculum reflects the latest advancements and trends. Faculty advisors and instructors, including associate professors specializing in feminist theory and women’s studies, continually update course offerings to incorporate new scholarship and research on topics such as gender issues, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and culture.

This commitment to staying current is demonstrated through faculty participation in conferences and workshops, which introduce fresh perspectives on women’s and gender studies. The certificate also encourages an interdisciplinary approach, offering courses that examine gender through various lenses, including behavioral science, humanities, and visual arts. This ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding gender in today’s society.

Hands-on Activities

The certificate provides students with a strong foundation through coursework that employs an interdisciplinary approach. Students engage with courses from a variety of disciplines, including sociology, communication, history, psychology, and visual arts. This enables them to gain a comprehensive understanding of women's and gender issues within broader societal and cultural contexts.

What You’ll Learn:

Feminist theory & scholarship
Gender roles across disciplines (history, lit, etc.)
Women's lives, sexuality, race, ethnicity
Intersectionality of gender issues
Critical analysis of gender in life

How You’ll Learn:

Online format for flexibility
Interdisciplinary courses (sociology, psych, etc.)
Faculty expertise in various fields
Courses updated with the latest research
Well-rounded understanding of gender

Courses

The Certificate in Gender Studies provides students with a solid foundation in understanding gender roles and identities within various social contexts. Drawing from multiple disciplines, the certificate allows students to explore key topics in women’s and gender studies from a global perspective. Some of the courses included are:

SOC 310: Gender and Society

This course explores key issues in women and gender studies, such as class, race, sexuality, and political power. Students will examine methods to understand these issues, focusing on contemporary female identities, historical influences, and efforts toward equality and empowerment.

SOC 311: Feminist Theory

This course explores the evolution of feminist thought and its interaction with social, economic, and cultural factors, covering frameworks like Marxism, psychoanalysis, and postmodernism, and issues such as the body, race, and identity politics.

SOC 348: Topics in Sociology

This course offers specialized subjects not covered in the regular curriculum, with specific topics listed in the semester class schedule.

Discover the full Certificate in Gender Studies course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The certificate offers a unique opportunity to enhance an existing degree by providing valuable interdisciplinary insights into gender and women's experiences. Although not a standalone degree program, the certificate lays a strong foundation for pursuing diverse career paths.

Social Service Professionals

The certificate equips students with a strong understanding of social inequalities, preparing them to work effectively with diverse populations in fields such as social work, counseling, and advocacy. Through coursework that addresses the challenges faced by Black women and other marginalized groups, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide culturally competent care and support.

Educators

The Certificate in Gender Studies enhances the teaching skills of educators across all levels. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives on gender into their lesson plans, teachers gain the ability to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment, promoting greater awareness and understanding of gender-related issues among their students.

Human Resources Specialists

The Certificate in Gender Studies provides HR specialists with valuable insights into gender dynamics in the workplace. Students gain the knowledge needed to develop fair and effective recruitment, compensation, and conflict resolution policies, ensuring a more equitable and inclusive work environment.

Lawyers and Legal Professionals

The certificate equips lawyers and legal professionals with a strong understanding of gender-related issues within the legal system. The coursework covers topics such as gender discrimination and family law, providing students with the knowledge to better serve clients and navigate legal challenges related to gender equality.

Policy Analysts and Researchers

The certificate provides policy analysts and researchers with the skills to analyze data and develop policies addressing social issues affecting women and gender minorities. The interdisciplinary approach equips students to examine the complex intersections of race, class, and gender, allowing them to create more inclusive and effective policies.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,180.60* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Program

Students can further expand their knowledge beyond the Certificate in Gender Studies by exploring additional offerings at Fort Hays State University. One such opportunity is:

Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies

FAQ

What distinguishes the Certificate in Gender Studies?

The certificate distinguishes itself because it is an entirely online format for flexible completion at your own pace (ideal for working professionals and busy students). Furthermore, the courses are accessible to a broad audience with no specific admission requirements.

How does the certificate cover various aspects of women's and gender studies, including feminist theory and social justice?

The Certificate in Gender Studies covers interdisciplinary sociology, psychology, communication, history, and visual arts courses.

Are specific courses or practical experiences focused on gender studies within the certificate?

The Certificate in Gender Studies focuses on building a knowledge base through interdisciplinary coursework. Students engage with courses across various disciplines, including sociology, communication, history, psychology, and visual arts, gaining a well-rounded understanding of women's and gender issues in society and culture.

What career or academic opportunities does completing a Certificate in Gender Studies offer?

While not a standalone degree program, the certificate provides a foundation for various career paths for social service professionals, educators, human resources specialists, lawyers, policy analysts, and researchers. The certificate enhances existing degrees with valuable interdisciplinary perspectives on gender and women's experiences.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology

The School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU offers a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and the social sciences. Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical skills that equip them to address complex societal challenges and become effective leaders and professionals.

The Criminal Justice programs provide both online and on-campus options, focusing on areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system, with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and integrity. Leadership programs cultivate essential organizational and interpersonal skills through interactive coursework and hands-on internships, supported by initiatives like the Leadership Studies Association and the VALUE program. Sociology programs explore human behavior, social structures, and community issues, encouraging analytical thinking and research-based problem-solving.

Together, these programs create a robust and collaborative educational environment that promotes cross-disciplinary learning. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether focused on justice, leadership, or social change, students in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology gain the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.

Criminal Justice Club: Open to students majoring, minoring, or pursuing a certificate in Criminal Justice, as well as those majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club offers career-focused opportunities for service, networking, and social engagement. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities that vary each semester based on student interests. Volunteer options are available through local groups such as:
Delta Tau Omega: Students in the Criminal Justice Club have an opportunity to join the FHSU chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega. Membership in this organization allows students to participate in regional and national conferences, where they can engage in a variety of competitions, including written exams, mock crime scene investigations, physical agility tests, scholarly research poster presentations, and national research paper and scholarship contests. To remain active in the organization, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their criminal justice coursework.
Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club promotes research on topics aimed at improving the community. The club actively collaborates with both the FHSU campus community and residents of Hays, hosting student engagement events and participating in a variety of community service projects. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in sociology while highlighting the discipline’s importance in understanding society and enhancing the human condition.
Alpha Kappa Delta: Sociology majors may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the honor society for sociology. This organization promotes academic excellence and fosters scholarship and fellowship among undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for membership, students must have junior standing, a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, and at least 12 completed credit hours in sociology coursework.
Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills by building meaningful relationships, engaging in skill-building activities, and applying leadership in real-world settings. The organization encourages student growth through a variety of events and activities designed to foster personal and professional development.

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

In August 2020, Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Programs and University Police partnered with the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) to become the Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a designated regional center, FHSU offers the only Level 3 de-escalation training currently available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional de-escalation techniques grounded in procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention strategies.
Level 3 enhances both traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention methods by incorporating rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase officer confidence in applying de-escalation techniques when working with the public.

FHSU facilitates all three of NDTC’s training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, a two-day, in-person training, and a comprehensive 32- to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Supported by substantial federal funding, these training opportunities are available to agencies at little to no cost. In addition, scholarships may be available to help agencies enroll officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

Located within the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-Based Violence functions as a regional hub for collaborative research and community service. Its mission is to alleviate the barriers faced by survivors, promote economic independence, and empower survivors to embrace new opportunities with freedom and confidence.

The Center commits to providing sustainable support aimed at helping survivors break the cycle of violence and transform from victims/survivors into social entrepreneurs.

Focusing on gender-based violence in rural areas, the Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research that explores its causes and effective control measures. It leads collaborative networks of researchers committed to applying evidence-based approaches and identifying best practices to address gender-based violence within rural communities.

Additionally, the Center fosters academic-community partnerships through service-learning, research, assessment, education, and policy development, all designed to enhance the well-being and resilience of rural populations.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is a year-long program designed to cultivate promising undergraduates into effective agents of change. It offers a combination of curricular and co-curricular experiences across three specialized tracks: corporate leadership, civic/nonprofit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs focus on creating real-world impact through projects aimed at supporting those in need. A key initiative involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, made up of these distinguished leaders, offers students valuable guidance and insights drawn from their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Gender Studies

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