About Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate at CSUSB
What It Is & Why It’s Beneficial
Open to anyone, CSUSB’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of gender, sexuality, identity, representation, and power in both historical and contemporary contexts. Drawing from fields such as sociology, history, literature, psychology, ethnic studies, and political science, the program explores how gender and sexuality shape individual experiences and social structures.
Students examine topics such as feminist theory, LGBTQ+ studies, intersectionality, social justice, family and community dynamics, media and representation, and global gender issues. Coursework encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and inclusive dialogue, preparing students to work effectively in diverse professional and community settings.
This certificate is valuable for students across majors who want to expand their understanding of gender and sexuality, enhance their cultural competency, and apply equity-minded perspectives to their academic or professional paths.
Why This Certificate Is Beneficial
✔ Builds strong cultural awareness and equity-focused understanding
Students gain insight into how gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, ability, and other identities.
✔ Valuable in careers serving diverse populations
Fields such as social work, education, health care, business, criminal justice, and public policy increasingly value competencies in gender and sexuality studies.
✔ Enhances communication and critical thinking skills
The program deepens students’ ability to navigate complex social dynamics and engage in inclusive, informed discussion.
✔ Complements a wide range of majors
Ideal for students in social sciences, humanities, health sciences, business, and arts who want an interdisciplinary credential.
✔ Supports preparation for graduate study
The certificate strengthens readiness for programs in gender studies, sociology, psychology, social work, public health, and related fields.
Careers in Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate
Potential Careers
Graduates of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate often pursue roles such as:
- Community Outreach or Advocacy Support Specialist
- DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Assistant
- Education or Youth Program Coordinator
- Human Services or Social Services Assistant
- Public Health, Wellness, or Community Program Support
The certificate also enhances pathways toward counseling, social work, public policy, academic research, and leadership roles centered on equity and social justice.
Sample Courses
Introduction to Women's Studies
The course critically examines gender as a social construct and the differential experiences of women related to intersectional identities, power, equity, and human rights both domestically and globally.
Feminist Theory
This course seeks to provide students with an accurate understanding of feminism, its usefulness in understanding social problems, and aims to empower students to work toward sex and gender equity.
Introduction to Masculinity Studies
Multidisciplinary exploration of how masculinity is constructed, understood, represented, and behaviorally expressed across multiple contexts and through its intersections with sex, sexuality, culture, nationality/geography, social class, physicality, race, ethnicity, and age.
In Summary
CSUSB’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate offers students an enriching, interdisciplinary exploration of identity, equity, and social change. Through coursework focused on gender, sexuality, and intersectionality, the program prepares learners to engage thoughtfully with diverse communities and contribute to more inclusive workplaces, institutions, and societies.
Similar to Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate
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