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
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Women’s and Gender Studies prepares students to contribute to a variety of fields—as advocates for justice, human rights, and equality
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We offer distinct opportunities to get involved in organizations through internships, service-learning, and professional development series
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Our department is supported by an active Friends of Women’s Studies organization that provides four scholarships, a range of events, and networking opportunities
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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
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development 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.
Judicial Law Clerks
Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
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
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
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.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Scholarships
- Nancy Topping Bazin Graduate Scholarship in Women’s Studies
- Anita Clair Fellman Service-Learning Scholarship
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