The LGBTQ+ Studies Certificate Program is a campus-wide program open to students in any major. Courses that count toward this interdisciplinary certificate come from a wide range of fields including literature, history, sociology, medical history, as well as from gender and women's studies, which is in itself an interdisciplinary field. This certificate can complement many other programs and plans across campus, including, but not limited to gender and women's studies. New courses are added to the program each semester.
How to Get in
Intent to pursue the certificate can be declared by meeting with the undergraduate advisor and completing the declaration form. Declaring the certificate as early as possible allows students to best align certificate coursework with their interests.
Requirements
15 credits as follows: 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ Studies | ||
| Social Science Course in LGBTQ+ Studies | 3 | |
| Gender and Sexuality in Rural Places | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and the Media | ||
| LGBTQ+ People and Mental Health Equity | ||
| Gender and Queer Issues in Psychology | ||
| Special Topics in Gender, Women and Society (Queer) | ||
| Special Topics in Gender, Women and Society (Sexuality) | ||
| Bi/Pan/Asexuality: Community & Representation | ||
| Topics in LGBTQ Sexuality | ||
| Queer of Color Critique | ||
| Special Topics in Feminist Theory | ||
| Queering Sexuality Education | ||
| Special Topics in LGBTQ+ Health | ||
| Special Topics in Gender and Health (Queer) | ||
| Special Topics in Gender and Health (LGBTQ+) | ||
| Topics in LGBT History 2 | ||
| Women and Gender in the U.S. Since 1870 | ||
| Social Work Practice with LGBTQIA2S+ Individuals and Communities | ||
| Humanities Course in LGBTQ+ Studies | 3 | |
| Race and Sexuality in American Literature | ||
| Asian American Feminist & Queer Cultural Productions | ||
| Special Topics in Gender & Literature (Queer) | ||
| Women and Gender in the Classical World | ||
| Sex and Power in Greece and Rome | ||
| Special Topics in Gender, Women and the Humanities (Queer) | ||
| Topics in LGBTQ Sexuality | ||
| Transgender Studies | ||
| Queer Bodies | ||
| Trans/Gender in Historical Perspective | ||
| Special Topics in Gender and Visual Culture (Queer) | ||
| Contemporary Queer Art and Visual Culture | ||
| The Body in Theory | ||
| Special Topics in Feminist Theory (Queer) | ||
| The History of the (American) Body | ||
| Topics in LGBT History | ||
| Trans/Gender in Historical Perspective | ||
| Sexuality, Modernity and Social Change | ||
| Sexual Politics in Scandinavia | ||
| Introduction to Contemporary Feminist Theatre and Criticism | ||
| Electives in LGBTQ+ Studies (Humanities, Social Science, or other listed below) | 6 | |
| Special Topics in Gender and Biology (Queer) | ||
| Special Topics in Gender and Biology (LGBTQ+) | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 1
No more than two Elementary level courses, including GEN&WS/SOC 200, can count for the LGBTQ+ Studies certificate. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis will not satisfy certificate requirements.
- 2
Topics courses, such as HISTORY 275 and GEN&WS 340, may be taught with a number of different LGBTQ+ Studies topics and therefore may be taken more than once, so long as the topic is different.
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all GEN&WS courses and all certificate courses.
- At least 8 certificate credits must be completed in residence.
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate interdisciplinary understanding of core concepts and debates in LGBTQ+ Studies.
- Demonstrate the practical skills related to LGBTQ+ Studies, such as critical thinking and analysis, inquiry, and written and oral communication.
- Understand the interdisciplinary nature of LGBTQ+ Studies research, and connect this scholarship to the institutions that shape everyday life.
- Develop LGBTQ+ Studies knowledge, skills, and social engagement and demonstrate how these ideas can be applied to new settings, ideas, and understandings.
Advising and Careers
Connecting and working with the undergraduate advisor in LGBTQ+ studies as early as possible helps you create a meaningful course plan and stay on track as you complete the certificate requirements.
The undergraduate advisor is available to consult on a variety of topics, including declaring the certificate, course selection, study abroad, volunteer and internship opportunities on campus and in the community, applying to graduate programs, and preparing for the job market after graduation.
Declaration
Intent to pursue (or cancel) the LGBTQ+ Studies certificate can be declared by meeting with the undergraduate advisor in Gender and Women's Studies and completing this online declaration form.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students