Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

If you're passionate about making the future brighter in the LGBTQ+ community, you'll want to begin by relating to the personal experiences of those around you. In this program, you'll broaden your connections and develop your skills as an activist to better engage in participatory democracy and effect change in our ever-shifting society.

Program Description

The certificate program in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies offers students a multifaceted understanding of society.

Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people play important roles as colleagues, clients, parents, children, siblings, neighbors, employees, employers, religious leaders and friends. Given the increasing visibility of and changing political climate for LGBTQ+ people in the United States, all students, not only those who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, are served well by learning about contemporary social issues regarding people from LGBTQ+ backgrounds and about their histories and communities.

The educational experience is enhanced when students are introduced to complex intersections between and among sexual, racial, ethnic, religious, geographic and national identities. This program's philosophy is to promote intellectual and pedagogical diversity as one of the university's greatest assets, and this is done in part by instilling in students a sensitivity to cultures different from their own and through careful analysis of the self in historical, artistic and sociocultural contexts.

The goals of the program are to give students knowledge about the history of, evolution of and current issues facing the LGBTQ+ community; practical experience utilizing coursework knowledge in the community through an internship or community service project; and theoretical perspectives on heterosexuality as a presumptive sexual identity. Students gain an understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies as an academic area of inquiry and an understanding of community politics, dynamics and conflicts, and they engage in a use-inspired education that culminates in a public presentation.


Program Requirements

The certificate requires 15 credit hours, of which a minimum of 12 must be upper division. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better.
Required Course (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
Electives -- 9 credit hours
Notes: Only Interdisciplinary Studies major may use additional lower-division courses
Notes: Student must pick LGBT focus for course project and receive approval from certificate advisor.
Notes: Only Interdisciplinary Studies majors may use additional lower-division courses.
Notes: Only Interdisciplinary Studies majors may use additional lower-division courses
Notes: Only Interdisciplinary Studies majors may use additional lower-division courses. Credit is only allowed for WST 100 or 300
Notes: Credit is only allowed for WST 100 or 300
Capstone -- 3 credit hours
All students will complete a three credit hour capstone experience after completing a minimum of nine credit hours in the certificate program. The capstone experience will be supervised by any member of the faculty approved by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies Committee.

Capstone Course (3)
Notes: Select capstone course with consultation of LGBT advisor.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning Outcomes

  • Students will apply knowledge about LGBT communities through directed research, an internship or community-based project under the supervision of an ASU faculty member.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities.

Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in law, education, public service, and human welfare and social work. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors


  • Growth: 18.4%
  • Median Salary*: 49710
  Bright Outlook

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 4%
  • Median Salary*: 85000

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 52560
  Bright Outlook

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists


  • Growth: 11.4%
  • Median Salary*: 90130
  Bright Outlook

Marriage and Family Therapists


  • Growth: 14.9%
  • Median Salary*: 56570
  Bright Outlook

Mental Health Counselors


  • Growth: 18.4%
  • Median Salary*: 49710
  Bright Outlook

Child, Family, and School Social Workers


  • Growth: 5.3%
  • Median Salary*: 50820
  Bright Outlook

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 78970

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.