This is a field that comprehensively explores human sexuality and gender. It may touch on concepts from various fields such as philosophy, religious studies, economics, public health and communications.

The undergraduate program in Gender Studies at Queen’s offers courses in feminist, anti-racist, Indigenous, postcolonial, queer, transgender, and social justice studies. Students learn about the histories of different forms of oppression, engage with popular culture, and critically analyze everyday events. From research papers and blogs, to presentations and creative productions, students work on meticulous research, clear and thoughtful writing, creative expression, and public speaking. Our courses span the arts and social sciences to produce a truly interdisciplinary program, one that prepares students for a broad range of careers.

Top 5 Reasons to study Gender Studies:

1. Embrace an intersectional approach to gender as it connects to experiences of race, sexuality, class, nation, and ability.
2. Gain transferable skills for the job market: writing, critical thinking, research, public speaking, and creative production.
3. Explore how structures of power, privilege, and oppression shape current events and pop culture.
4. Learn tools to advocate for systemic change in light of current social and political realities.
5. Challenge the status quo and engage in social justice work both locally and globally.

“Some of the most memorable times in my degree was due to the environment that Gender Studies fosters to pursue some amazing opportunities such as self-directed study and partaking in the Feminist Legal Studies Queen’s course. These unique experiences have contributed to shaping my future path.”

A degree in Gender Studies can take your career in many directions. Many students choose to continue their academic inquiry with a Master’s degree. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for careers in:

• Advocacy Work and Activism
• Communication and Journalism
• Conference and Event Planning
• Counselling
• Education
• Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
• Government
• Graduate and Professional School
• Healthcare
• Human Resources
• Labour Relations
• Law
• Marketing
• Non-governmental organization
• Politics
• Public Policy
• Public Relations
• Social Work

Taking time to explore career options, build experience and network can help you have a smooth transition to the world of work after graduation. Note: Some of these careers may require additional training.

The Sexual and Gender Diversity Certificate Program offers you the opportunity to:

• Think through and engage with your scholarly interests – be it nursing, law, art history, religious studies, music, kinesiology, politics, medicine – from the vantage point of critical sexuality, gender, queer, and transgender studies
• Write about contemporary events and issues surrounding gender and race
• Explore human difference across a range of sexualities and gender identifications

Organizations, employers, and graduate programs look for individuals who can critically engage in a wide range of conversations surrounding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity.

This Certificate is available to all undergraduate students regardless of their degree concentration.

Delivery Mode: On-campus

Number of Units: 30 units (5-10 courses)

Open to:

• Current Arts and Science students (online or on-campus)
• Current Engineering, Business, Health Science students

Courses:

• GNDS 215/3.0
• 3.0 units in any course in any department that has a major written assignment* or two minor written assignments on the intersection of race and sexual and/or gender diversity.
• 24.0 units in any course in any department that has a major written assignment* or two minor written assignments on the subject of sexual and/or gender diversity.

*A short abstract of each assignment must be submitted for review at the end of each term. The major assignment or two minor assignments must account for 40% of your final grade.

Students must pass all courses relating to the certificate with a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 1.90.