Admission to the Certificate Program is contingent upon, (1) prior admission to the Graduate School of the University into a graduate degree-granting department, or (2) after prior completion of a graduate degree and acceptance as a non-degree student.

You will need to obtain a Graduate School application and/or a non-degree student application directly from the Graduate Admissions Office, Goodell Building, UMass, Amherst, MA 01003; or call (413) 545-0721; or visit their website at www.umass.edu/gradschool. In addition to the Graduate School application, contact Nancy Patteson at the Women's Studies Office, 208 Bartlett Hall or call (413) 545-1922 to receive the Certificate application. For our convenience, the printable application form is included below.

The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to, and evidence of, research or organizational experience in feminist concerns. A general knowledge of feminist scholarship is expected, and a background in feminist theory and/or activism with women's issues is preferred, but an undergraduate major in Women's studies is not required as prerequisite for admission to the program.

The Women's Studies application deadline for fall admission is set for late February or early March. Please contact the Women's Studies Office for the date.

Upon admission to the certificate program each student will meet with both the graduate program coordinator and the Graduate Certificate Program Director to plan their program of study. A list of disciplinary advisors is available for committee support. Successful completion of the required course work will constitute a certificate in Women's Studies.