The Undergraduate Certificate in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Studies explores questions about sexuality, identity, gender, community, representation, diversity, assimilation, and discrimination that are both academically and socially significant.

This certificate is designed for all students, regardless of major, who have an interest in learning more about the history and contemporary life of LGBT individuals. Students who earn the LGBT Studies certificate are prepared for careers that involve interaction with people of diverse backgrounds in areas such as business, education, healthcare, and law. Some graduates go on to work in social services or public affairs, promoting equality in legislation and policy.

Coursework in this program is interdisciplinary and includes materials and methods from many fields, including Africology, anthropology, communication, comparative literature, economics, English, ethnic studies, film studies, health sciences, history, linguistics, music, nursing, political science, psychology, social welfare, sociology, theatre, and women's and gender studies.

Certificates are similar to minors in terms of credit requirements but draw on coursework from multiple fields of study rather than from a single department.

Eligibility

The LGBT Studies Undergraduate Certificate is designed for students majoring in any field who wish to complement their study of a discipline with an additional concentration in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies. Any student in good standing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee who is seeking a bachelor's degree or who previously received a bachelor's degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university is eligible to participate in the certificate program. The program also is open to those who do not plan to pursue a college or university degree (non-degree students) but who have a strong interest in this topic. To be admitted as non-degree students, individuals must meet regular University admission requirements.

Requirements

The LGBT Studies Undergraduate Certificate requires completion of 18 credits in approved courses, with a minimum GPA of 2.500, as follows:

Electives

Select 9 credits of approved LGBT Studies curricular area or cross-listed coursework, of which 3 credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

Students are limited to a maximum of 6 credits in independent study and no more than 9 credits from any one department. At least half the credits must be taken in residence at UWM, and no courses may be taken on a credit/no credit basis.

Credits earned at other institutions in equivalent LGBT courses, as well as credits earned and approved through study abroad, are accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements. Students must obtain the approval of the certificate program committee to apply more than nine credits from courses at other institutions to the program requirements.

Approved Electives

The following courses are approved to count toward the LGBT Studies Certificate. Additional courses may be found each semester in the Schedule of Classes. In addition, students are encouraged to consult the Program Coordinator and to petition for the inclusion of relevant courses as appropriate.