Women's and Gender studies is an interdisciplinary program which fosters research and teaching related to gender. Course work leading to the certificate of graduate study in women's and gender studies permits study of gender and its significance through a systematic engagement with feminist theory and criticism, research methods, and scholarship and results in recognition of that study on the student's transcript. Since the Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality is not a degree-offering unit, all graduate degrees are obtained through the student's major department, whose special requirements must be met. The certificate is available to students in good standing in any graduate program in the university. Students-at-large in good standing may also pursue the certificate. Faculty who regularly teach courses which contribute to the certificate or participate in the core courses come from a variety of departments. A student who wishes to pursue this certificate should consult early in graduate studies with both her or his major department faculty adviser and the Women's, and Gender Studies coordinator. Students may earn transcript credit for the certificate by completing 12 hours in courses approved by the director of the Center for the Study of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality, including the two required interdisciplinary core courses. For the other 6 required hours, in addition to the approved electives listed below, any graduate-level special topics course or directed study focused on gender may be counted toward the certificate with the approval of the director of the Center for the Study of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality. Students may enroll in internships combining their professional interests with their preparation in women's and gender studies.