Program Overview

Introduction to the Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Program

The Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of gender, sexuality, and women's issues. The program provides students with a deep understanding of the complex social, cultural, and political factors that shape individual and collective experiences.

MA Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

The MA Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies is designed to provide graduate students with an intellectual foundation in the field. The certificate is awarded and recorded on graduate student transcripts in conjunction with the completion of an advanced degree. The program offers a PhD Graduate Certificate, an MA Graduate Certificate, and an MA Graduate Certificate for MSW Students.

How to Apply for the MA Certificate

To apply for the MA Graduate Certificate Program, students must submit the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Application for Admission to the Certificate Program and the MA Coursework Advising Form. Students should schedule a meeting with the Program Director to discuss their course of study and complete the application process.

MA Certificate Requirements

The MA Certificate consists of four courses (12 credits) and the completion of a research paper supervised by a GSWS-affiliated faculty member. The four courses must be graduate-level courses offered by or cross-listed with GSWS, with at least two courses outside the candidate's major discipline.

Courses

• GSWS2252 ("Theories of Gender and Sexuality") is required and counts as one of the two courses outside the candidate's major discipline.
• At least one other course (3 credits) must be an interdisciplinary GSWS course (with a GSWS number), other than Independent Reading or Directed Study, taken at Pitt.
• No more than one course may be a directed study.
• Students may petition the Director to count up to one course taken at another institution toward the Master's Certificate.

Research Paper

• The research paper must be read and approved by a GSWS-affiliated faculty member.
• The paper should be a sustained piece of advanced work, prepared under the supervision of a GSWS-affiliated faculty sponsor.
• The paper may be written explicitly for the certificate requirement or written to satisfy a course or degree requirement.
• The paper should integrate theories, ideas, and implications from several areas of interest within gender/sexuality/womens studies.

Graduation Procedures

1. Apply to the certificate program at least one semester in advance of graduation.
2. Apply for graduation through the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
3. Submit the research paper, signature page, and MA Coursework Advising Form to the GSWS Program Director by the appropriate deadline.

Academics

The program offers a range of academic options, including:

• Undergraduate Studies: GSWS Major, GSWS Minor, LGBTQ and Critical Sexuality Studies Minor, CGS Certificate
• Graduate Studies: MA Certificate, PhD Certificate, Graduate Student Organization, Graduate Student Prizes
• Research: Research Themes, Student Research Funds
• Gender and Science
• Archival Studies

Resources

The program provides various resources, including:

• Tuition and Rates
• Funding Opportunities
• Library Services
• Syllabi from GSWS Courses
• Faculty Resources
• Student Resources
• The Iris Marion Young Awards for Political Engagement