Certificate in Gender Studies

Certificate

Hours: 12 Online

About

FHSU offers an interdisciplinary Certificate in Gender Studies. This 12-credit certificate program provides students a comprehensive understanding of women's societal roles throughout history.

The program explores women's studies and gender theory through coursework in various disciplines, including history, literature, sociology, psychology, political science, and more. You'll 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. This unique feature allows you to enroll and complete coursework at your own pace, regardless of location.

While many universities offer similar programs, ours provides exceptional flexibility for working professionals and students with demanding schedules. Traditional certificate programs often require on-campus attendance, limiting accessibility. Our online format eliminates this barrier, making feminist education attainable for a wider audience.

Who is this program for?

The Certificate in Gender Studies is designed for a diverse audience interested in understanding gender roles and their impact on society. Here's a breakdown of who can benefit the most:

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, from sociology and history to literature and psychology. You'll gain valuable knowledge and develop essential skills applicable in diverse fields by completing the certificate requirements. Through this program, you will achieve several key learning outcomes:

Intersectionality

Imagine a complex web where gender interacts with race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and other social structures. This program equips you to analyze these intersections, understanding how they impact individuals and societies locally, nationally, and globally. You'll explore topics like black feminist thought, for example, which critiques how gender interacts with race and class to create unique experiences for women of color.

Nature vs. Nurture

The program encourages you to critically evaluate biology and social constructs' roles in shaping our understanding of gender and sexuality. Are these concepts fixed or fluid? Courses delve into topics like the history of gender roles and the evolution of sexuality to help you develop a well-rounded perspective.

Social Change and Feminist Activism

Identify and analyze the systems of oppression that exist in our society. The program explores the contributions of feminist movements throughout history and the ongoing fight for social justice. You'll learn about key figures and movements, from the suffragists to contemporary activists, gaining a deeper appreciation for the ongoing struggle for equality.

Applying Knowledge and Making Connections

The program goes beyond theoretical knowledge. You'll develop the ability to apply critical concepts learned in the program to analyze and discuss gender issues critically in written and spoken communication. Additionally, you'll be encouraged to reflect on your own experiences and make connections between personal stories and broader social and political issues. This fosters a deeper understanding of how gender shapes our lives and the lives of those around us.

Real-World Applications

This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to address gender issues in the real world. Drawing from faculty expertise across disciplines like sociology, psychology, communication, and visual arts, this certificate allows students to explore women's lives, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and societal intersections.

While graduate courses and certificate options are available for those seeking graduate study, the undergraduate certificate caters to a broader audience. Students enrolled in the program will gain a strong foundation in feminist theory and scholarship, allowing them to critically analyze gender and its role in various aspects of life. Elective courses enable students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, whether it's 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 stays 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 lives, consistently update course offerings to incorporate new scholarship and research on gender issues, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and culture.

This commitment to staying current is evident in several ways. Faculty regularly participate in conferences and workshops, bringing fresh perspectives on women's and gender studies. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, with courses that explore gender through the lens of various disciplines like behavioral science, humanities, and even visual arts. This ensures students gain a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of gender in today's society.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Gender Studies at FHSU builds a solid knowledge base through coursework with an interdisciplinary approach. 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 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 equips students with a strong foundation in understanding gender roles and identities across various social contexts. The program draws from multiple fields, allowing students to explore critical topics in women's and gender studies through a global perspective. Some courses include:

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 is a unique opportunity to enrich your existing degree by providing you with valuable interdisciplinary perspectives on gender and women's experiences. While the certificate is not a standalone degree program, it provides a strong foundation for various career paths.

Social Service Professionals

The program's focus on social inequalities prepares graduates to work effectively with diverse populations in social work, counseling, and advocacy. Courses explore issues black women and other marginalized groups face, equipping students to provide culturally competent care.

Educators

A Certificate in Gender Studies can enhance the teaching skills of educators at all levels. By incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives on gender into lesson plans, graduates can foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

Human Resources Specialists

Understanding gender dynamics in the workplace is crucial for HR professionals. The program equips students with the knowledge to develop fair and effective recruitment, compensation, and workplace conflict resolution policies.

Lawyers and Legal Professionals

A strong understanding of gender and the law is essential for legal careers. The program's courses explore gender discrimination and family law, preparing graduates to serve their clients better.

Policy Analysts and Researchers

Graduates with a background in women's and gender studies can analyze data and develop policies that address social issues impacting women and gender minorities. Their interdisciplinary understanding allows them to consider the complex intersections of race, class, and gender in policy development.

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 $3,087.96* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($257.33/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

Expand your knowledge beyond the Certificate in Gender Studies with another Fort Hays State University offering. Consider this program:

Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies

FAQ

What distinguishes the Certificate in Gender Studies?

The program 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 program 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 program?

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 program 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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Gender Studies