The Women’s Studies Graduate Certificate is now available online.

Note: We plan to offer these courses completely online according to the following timeline. (Please note that we may not always be able to offer the courses in the semester indicated here; in that case, the course will be offered as soon as possible):

• How do I register for the Women's Studies Certificate? (and print a step-by-step guide)
• How do I register to take an online course?
• What is "Blackboard"?
• Do I have to be registered in a master's program in order to pursue the WS graduate certificate?
• I have taken a WS graduate course at my university. Can I receive credit for this course?
• Do I have to take all the courses online for the entire certificate?
• What is the benefit of taking online courses?
• Will I be able to teach WS with the certificate?

Q: How do I register for the Women's Studies Certificate?

A:[Click here for a step-by-step registration guide--Word doc. Click here for Adobe pdf version.]
In person: If you are near Bowling Green, you may stop by the Women's Studies Center (1532 State Street) and pick up a packet. We will be happy to answer any questions you have at that time.
Online: point your browser to the Graduate Studies application page: http://www.wku.edu/graduate, then browse through the links beneath "Prospective Students." There, you will find answers to commonly asked questions and an online application. (Please note that a $35.00 registration fee applies if you have never been in the WKU graduate program.) Indicate on the registration form that you wish to pursue the Women's Studies Graduate Certificate. Note: GRE scores are NOT required to pursue a graduate certificate. Please supply an official transcript (undergraduate/graduate); specific details such as WKU's address, phone, etc. are on the graduate site. Tuition information is also available on the Graduate Studies webpage.
FAQ's / Top

Q: How do I register to take an online course?

A: If you wish to seek the graduate certificate, simply follow the instructions above. If you have registered with WKU's Graduate Studies (or are currently in a master's or certificate program at WKU), simply point your browser to WKU's TopNet (url: http://topnet.wku.edu). Once logged in, click on the registration link, and enter the CRN of the course you wish to take. Tuition information is also available on the Graduate Studies webpage. The instructor will contact you via your WKU email address to inform you of required reading materials, requirements, and so on. If you don't know the CRN and are uncertain of its name, call us at 270-745-6477, and we'll be glad to assist you. You may also email us at womensstudies@wku.edu.
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Q: What is Blackboard?

A: The online course is administered through Blackboard, a user-friendly, web interface that allows you to post comments, meet in a virtual classroom, as well as a host of other useful features. One needs only a computer with internet access and a web browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.) to access Blackboard. Click here to visit Blackboard. (Click "Log in" then "Preview" to visit as a guest.)
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Q: Do I have to be registered in a master's program in order to pursue the WS graduate certificate?

A: No. Additionally, no GRE scores are required to pursue the certificate.
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Q: I have taken a WS graduate course at my university. Can I receive credit for this course?

A: Coursework from an accredited university may be transferable if comparable to a course or courses that comprise the WS Graduate Certificate. Contact Jane Olmsted, WS Director, at 270-745-6477 or by email at Jane.Olmsted@wku.edu.
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Q: Do I have to take all the courses online for the entire certificate?

A: No. You may take some face-to-face and some online. Furthermore, you may take courses at another institution and transfer those that are approved to your WKU certificate.
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Q: What is the benefit of taking online courses?

A:  Among other things, the most important benefit is continuing your education, and because your busy schedule may clash with traditional classroom meeting times, online courses allow you greater time flexibility.  The online format also gives students an opportunity to explore their ideas and the ideas of their peers in many contexts--an important aspect of feminist pedagogy.  Students who have never taken an online class, as well as students who have had difficulty with previous online classes, remark that the learning environment in an online course at the graduate level greatly increased their understanding of the course material and opened their eyes to other online classes and programs.
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Q: Will I be able to teach with the certificate?

A: Required credentials will vary. If an institution is part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), of which WKU is a member, instructors of record must have a master's degree with 18 credit hours in the discipline. We recommend that you take an additional 3 hours above the 15 hours of the certificate.
FAQ's / Top

WKU Women's Studies Program homepage:
http://www.wku.edu/womensstudies

WKU Graduate Studies (Tuition information is also available on the Graduate Studies webpage.) :
http://www.wku.edu/graduate

Blackboard:
Startup page:
http://ecourses.wku.edu
or go to the Login page
(Netscape 7.0+ or Internet Explorer 6.0+)

WKU's Distance Learning: Reach WKU*
http://www.wku.edu/online/
*Their "Getting Connected" page shows you how to get a username, set up email and passwords, etc. Very helpful!

Western Kentucky University homepage:
http://www.wku.edu

Topnet:
http://topnet.wku.edu

Women's Studies Graduate Scholarship:
http://www.wku.edu/womensstudies/
scholarshipforms.html