Examine the use of feminist and anti-racist pedagogies as well as scholarship that contributes to social change and justice online through Oregon State University's undergraduate certificate or undergraduate minor in women, gender and sexuality studies.

As a means to challenge all forms of oppression, the online curriculum is centered on queer, transnational and women-of-color feminisms. The coursework delves into a wide array of topics that deal with women and gender issues in society, history and culture.

Creativity, innovation, and collaboration are the frameworks of the WGSS program to engage all students no matter where they live. Students are prepared to pursue careers in academia, community organizing, feminist non profits, and many other professional areas.

Undergraduate certificate

The 27-credit undergraduate certificate is designed to facilitate a broad interdisciplinary study of gender and women's issues. It emphasizes the diversity of women's experiences through a focus on disciplinary based knowledge about women's lives and relationships.

The required core coursework is developed by the WGSS program. To benefit from the rich course offerings students are expected to take the bulk of their electives from approved WGSS classes offered throughout OSU’s many colleges and programs.

Prerequisites

You may need to complete additional coursework prior to enrolling in this program and taking the required certificate courses. This could mean completing 3 or more additional credits, depending on your individual educational background as it relates to the program requirements. We recommend that you evaluate this prior to applying for admission.

Minor

The 27-credit minor explores gender and sexuality as they intersect with race, ethnicity, class, culture, nation, and ability and is a good fit with an undergraduate degree in Anthropology, Sociology, History or Liberal Studies.

Students are expected to take the bulk of their coursework toward the minor from the core and elective courses offered by the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program.

Sample course topics

• Gender and science
• Women of color feminisms
• Gender and transnational activisms
• Queer studies
• Systems of oppression in women's lives
• Feminist philosophies
• Gender, sexuality and the photographic image
• Ecofeminism
• Transgender lives
• Self-esteem and personal power
• Global feminist theologies
• Women in world cinema

Benefits of learning online with Oregon State

• All classes are developed by OSU's world-class faculty, who are known worldwide for their expertise, research and innovation.
• Oregon State is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
• OSU Ecampus students receive the same transcript-visible certificate as on-campus students.