About this Program

The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies is a multi- and interdisciplinary field of study that examines the complex intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, ability, nation, and other identities, with an emphasis on women’s lives and perspectives. A Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies prepares students to work with diverse populations, with an understanding of what it takes to empower themselves and others to become change makers. This skill set makes our students highly competitive on the job market, as employers increasingly seek candidates with intersectional expertise. Department faculty work closely with students to help them learn how to engage in complex problem solving; connect with others across differences; and engage diverse communities. This certificate may be taken as a stand-alone certificate or in conjunction with a graduate degree program.

Program Highlights

  • Women’s and Gender Studies prepares students to contribute to a variety of fields—as advocates for justice, human rights, and equality

  • We offer distinct opportunities to get involved in organizations through internships, service-learning, and professional development series

  • Our department is supported by an active Friends of Women’s Studies organization that provides four scholarships, a range of events, and networking opportunities

  • Women’s Studies graduates work in a range of fields—from social work, to law, to education, and international development. This department allows students to learn theories of social justice and apply them to benefit not only women and girls, but in a range of contexts where graduates can promote equality and human rights

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Certificate
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

$71,540 Median Salary

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

$68,980 Median Salary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

$83,330 Median Salary

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Judicial Law Clerks

$57,920 Median Salary

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Alumni Careers

Planned Parenthood
Global Health Corps
Peace Corps
Citigroup
Americorps
Law—human rights law firms

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Women's Studies at ODU?
Students entering the Certificate program in Women's Studies should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Scholarships

  • Nancy Topping Bazin Graduate Scholarship in Women’s Studies
  • Anita Clair Fellman Service-Learning Scholarship

Contact

Professor

3044 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23529