Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies

The graduate certificate may be taken alone or in conjunction with another graduate program. Courses applied to the certificate may be applied to a degree program, subject to approval of the director of the respective program.

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the graduate certificate in women and gender studies, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Policies

In accordance with university policy, students may transfer up to 3 graduate credits earned at another accredited institution to the certificate program with the approval of the director of the program and the dean. They may transfer up to 6 graduate credits earned at Mason in non-degree status toward the certificate, subject to approval of the director and the dean in accordance with university policy.

Certificate Requirements

• Total credits: 15
• This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
• Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program.

Core Courses

• Course List Code | Title | Credits
  • WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3
  • WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3
  • Total Credits | 6

Electives

• Course List Code | Title | Credits
  • Select 9 credits from the following: | 9
    • Any WMST graduate course at the 500- or 600- level
    • SOCI 605 | Gender and Social Structure
    • SOCI 634 | Qualitative Research Methods
    • INTS 534 | Research for Social Change
    • INTS 537 | Critical Race Studies
    • INTS 538 | Representations of Race
    • INTS 540 | Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights
    • CONF 707 | Gender and Violence
    • Other special topics course with the approval of the graduate director
  • Total Credits | 9

Capstone Portfolio

• Students synthesize their work in the certificate program by reflecting on how issues, ideas, and theories raised in the core courses inform their understanding of gender issues within their area of interest.
• The portfolio includes three to five items produced in previous coursework and a 7-10 page essay discussing them.
• The portfolio may include course papers, performance videos, photos of exhibits, music, or other items as agreed on by the student and advisor.
• The portfolio must be approved by the graduate advisor and submitted to the Women and Gender Studies Program, where it will be presented, displayed, and archived.
• Course List Code | Title | Credits
  • WMST 699 | Capstone Portfolio | 0

Application Deadlines

• On-campus:
  • Fall Deadline: April 15
  • Spring Deadline: November 01
  • Summer Deadline: April 15
• Online:
  • Online Deadline Information

University Policies

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.