Program Overview

Certificate of Graduate Study in Women and Public Policy

Program Overview

The graduate certificate in women and public policy at the University at Albany provides a strong foundation in feminist theory, policy-related gender studies, and practical skills in policy development. This certificate program can be completed as a standalone credential, but is typically earned as part of the master's program in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, or as an additional qualification for graduate students in areas such as criminal justice, education, political science, public administration, social work, and sociology.

Program of Study

• Choose two of the following core seminars:
  • Feminist Thought and Public Policy
  • Feminist Theory
  • Inequality and Public Policy
  • Citizen Participation
  • Women's Leadership
  • Social Policy and Social Welfare
• Choose one graduate course in one of the following areas:
  • Public policy issues and their impact on women
  • Skills effecting the public policy making process
  • Public policy reasoning

Career Outcomes

The women and public policy certificate program provides an excellent foundation for further graduate studies in social work or law. It also prepares you for administrative jobs in fields such as:

• Community organizing
• Nonprofit management
• Lobbying
• Civil rights advocacy
• Social justice activism
• Women's health services

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
  • Fall: Not Available
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: Not Available
• No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: May 1

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Resume
• Statement of Goals
  • The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.
• One or two letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required for admission.

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for program requirement details.