Women's Studies Department Graduate Certificate
On February 2, 2001, President Harter approved a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies, the first graduate certificate to be offered at UNLV. We designed this 15-credit graduate certificate program in response to growing demand by both graduate students and working professionals. Because graduate study typically centers on one discipline, students usually encounter women's studies scholarship only piecemeal or in a relatively haphazard way. The more systematic, course-centered focus of a certificate program will remedy this problem and offer a credential that can be a substantial asset in the job market. Many academic searches in a number of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and (increasingly) natural sciences list women's studies expertise as a desirable secondary qualification, and applicants with a graduate certificate will be much more credible than those who simply allege a background in the field. The program is also intended for post-baccalaureate working professionals such as psychologists, social workers, nurses, librarians, and teachers who wish to obtain information and skills in women's studies to aid them in their professions.
The certificate is open to graduate students in any discipline and in any college at UNLV and to non-degree seeking students who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. In addition to being admitted to the Graduate College, each applicant must show:
a.
(1) A
minimum of nine undergraduate credits in women’s studies, preferably
including courses in feminist theory and/or methodology; or (2)
demonstrable familiarity with/background in feminist theory and
methodology, including a range of courses focusing on women and gender;
or (3) completion of two 600-level Women’s Studies or cross-listed
courses on women and/or gender.
b. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00, with a grade point average of at least 3.30 in women’s studies courses.
Application process
Applicants must complete the Graduate College online application. In addition to the general requirements established by the Graduate College, the following department application materials must be uploaded into the online application:
a. A statement of purpose describing the relationship of the certificate to the student’s intellectual and professional goals. Be detailed and specific. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate writing as well as analytical skills and knowledge of women’s studies. We expect an essay of 1000 words; notes are optional.
b. Three letters of recommendation, preferably from former instructors or supervisors who can knowledgeably evaluate the student’s ability to do graduate level work in women’s studies.
Certificate Requirements
Candidates who have completed an advanced degree at UNLV prior to completing their certificate can petition the chair of the Women’s Studies department to have their credit-requirement for the certificate reduced to 12, if they have already taken a 3-credit course that would have counted for the certificate while taking their advanced degree, and not counted that course for their advanced degree requirements.
The 15-unit Graduate Certificate consists of:
Candidates for the certificate who are also candidates for a graduate degree may elect no more than three credits in their home discipline. Non-degree candidates may elect no more than three credits in any one department other than Women’s Studies. Numerous departments cross-list courses with Women’s Studies. See Women’s Studies course list flyers available at the beginning of pre-registration each semester.
