Certificate in Gender Studies

Hours: 12 Online

About

Fort Hays State University offers an interdisciplinary Certificate in Gender Studies, a 12-credit certificate that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of women’s societal roles 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

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Gender Studies allows students to explore gender through various lenses, including sociology, history, literature, and psychology. By completing the certificate requirements, students gain valuable knowledge and develop essential skills applicable across diverse fields. This certificate helps students achieve several key learning outcomes:

Intersectionality

The certificate equips students to analyze intersectionality, where gender interacts with race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and other social structures. This certificate allows students to understand how these intersections impact individuals and societies at local, national, and global levels. Topics such as Black feminist thought are explored, providing insights into how gender, race, and class combine to create unique experiences for women of color.

Nature vs. Nurture

Students are encouraged to critically evaluate the roles of biology and social constructs in shaping their understanding of gender and sexuality. Are these concepts fixed or fluid? The certificate explores topics such as the history of gender roles and the evolution of sexuality, enabling students to develop a well-rounded perspective on these complex issues.

Social Change and Feminist Activism

Students will be able to identify and analyze the systems of oppression that exist in society. The certificate explores the contributions of feminist movements throughout history and the ongoing fight for social justice. Students will learn about key figures and movements, from the suffragists to contemporary activists, gaining a deeper understanding of the continued struggle for equality.

Applying Knowledge and Making Connections

The certificate goes beyond theoretical knowledge, helping students develop the ability to apply critical concepts to analyze and discuss gender issues both in written and spoken communication. Students are also encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and make connections between personal stories and broader social and political issues. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of how gender shapes individual lives and the communities around us.

Real-World Applications

The Certificate in Gender Studies 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

FHSU’s 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, students 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

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train 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:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Gender Studies

Certificate
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On-Campus
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