Graduate Certificate Requirements

The UNLV Women's Studies Graduate Certificate has been placed in moratorium as the department effects its transition into Interdisciplinary Degree Programs. Students in the process of applying for admission or already taking courses, must apply to the Women's Studies Certificate Program through the graduate college before November 15, 2011. Please see the graduate college website http://graduatecollege.unlv.edu/.

After November 15, 2011, no NEW students will be accepted into the Certificate Program until further notice.

Those already enrolled in the Certificate Program must make efforts to complete the requirements of the 15 credit program and apply to graduate.

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On February 2, 2001, President Carol 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.

Admission Requirements

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 Program 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:

• WMST 701 - Feminist Theory Offered each even fall (e.g., fall 2010, fall 2012, etc.)
• WMST 702 - Principles of Feminist Inquiry Offered each odd fall (e.g., fall 2009, fall 2011, etc.)
• WMST 710 - Graduate Capstone Seminar Offered every spring
• and six units of electives in graduate WMST or departmental courses cross listed with women's studies, of which at least three units must be at the 700 level.

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.