Pursue advanced feminist work across the disciplines.
The UMass Graduate Certificate in Feminist Studies is an independent interdisciplinary program that introduces graduate students to the wide variety of theories, methodologies, debates and nuanced controversies that produce contemporary feminist scholarship. The study of women, gender and sexuality in our program is understood to be multifaceted, diverse, and embedded in complex matrices of power relations. Our curriculum includes a rich set of core courses and electives that challenge students to critically examine the categories of analysis that constitute the ‘objects’ of feminist study. Our graduate courses engage the complex and multiple histories of feminisms, feminist movements, and feminist theory and our curriculum supports our students in their feminist efforts to practice multidisciplinary critique, critical reflection, and engaged political citizenship. This training also supports our students to critically examine their own disciplinary locations and, potentially, to teach in WGSS programs and departments.

Certificate Requirements
Five graduate courses distributed as follows:
- WGSS 701 (offered in fall): Genealogies of Feminist Thought
- WGSS 705 (offered every spring): Feminist Epistemologies and Interdisciplinary Methodologies
- 3 electives: At least two of the three required electives should be courses taught by WGSS core faculty and selected from the designated options in the WGSS course guide. The course guide is published before registration every semester.
Applying to the Certificate
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We strongly encourage students to apply to the certificate program in their first or second year of graduate study. A maximum of only two courses completed prior to acceptance to our program may be applied towards the certificate, including any courses completed in the semester a student applies to the program. This requirement is meant to engage students early in the intellectual life of the program. Any extenuating circumstances that may require a student to count more than two courses completed prior to admission should be explained in the student’s application.
- Faculty writing recommendations for applicants to the graduate certificate in feminist studies, should be forwarded to: @email. Faculty may also submit recommendations Here. The selection committee looks to letters of reference for insight into the unique qualifications a student may possess, especially in relation to their interest in feminist analysis.
Teaching for WGSS
- If you're interested in teaching in WGSS, our application process starts in February of each year. We prioritize certificate students when hiring graduate students to teach WGSS classes. Questions about the application process can be directed to Erica Aloisio (ealoisio@umass.edu).
Certificate Application & Other Forms
Joyce A. Berkman Award
The Joyce A. Berkman Award for Outstanding Graduate Feminist Scholarship is presented annually to a current or former graduate certificate student by the Department of WGSS. The award is in honor of Joyce Avrech Berkman, feminist teacher, activist, History Department faculty member for 48 years (1965–2013), and co-founder of WGSS.
For More Information Contact:

Senior Lecturer II
Director, Jail Education Initiative
Office: W473 South College

Associate Professor | Graduate Program Director
Office: W413 South College

Business Manager
Phone: 413-545-0314
Office: W401 South College