Gender & Sexuality Studies

Overview

Gender & Sexuality Studies

The Gender and Sexuality Studies program at Long Beach City College offers students an interdisciplinary exploration of how gender, sexuality, race, class, and other aspects of identity shape individual experiences and societal structures.  This program provides a critical framework for understanding the historical, cultural, political, and philosophical foundations and forces that influence gender roles and sexual norms.

Students will engage with a wide range of topics including feminist theory, LGBTQ+ history and activism, intersectionality, and global gender issues.  Through reading, discussion, and research, students will learn to think critically about power, privilege, and inequality, and to apply these insights to real-world contexts such as education, healthcare, public policy, and wealth distribution.

This program is ideal for students interested in social justice, advocacy, human rights, or those planning to transfer to a four-year institution for further study in Gender Studies, LGBTQIA+ Studies, Sociology, Psychology, History, Health Ed, Public Health, or related fields.  The Gender & Sexuality Studies certificate of achievement is an excellent prelude, or combination certificate, with the Social Justice Studies AA-T.

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DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Gender and Sexuality Studies – Certificate of Accomplishment (ACC)

Required Courses

Receiving a Degree/Certificate Class Schedule Make an Appointment

CAREER INFO

 A certificate of achievement in Gender & Sexuality Studies is an excellent certificate for any profession requiring critical thinking, cultural competency, communication, and social analysis, all of which are skills valued across a wide range of professions. 

POTENTIAL JOBS
  • Social Services and Advocacy: Community Outreach Coordinator; Victim Advocate; LGBTQ+ resource center assistant; Youth or Shelter Program Staff; Peer Counselor or Support Group Facilitator; Homeless or domestic violence shelter assistant
  • Education & Outreach: DEI assistant; Educational program coordinator; After-school or youth program leader; Health and sexuality education support
  • Nonprofit & Community Organizations: Program assistant or coordinator; Fundraising and development associate; Event planning and logistics for awareness campaigns; Volunteer coordinator
  • Media, Communications, & the Arts: Content writer or blogger on gender / sexuality topics; Social media coordinator for advocacy organizations; Podcast or media production assistant; Museum or cultural program support staff
  • Business & Human Resources (entry level): DEI team support staff; HR assistant with focus on inclusive practices; Employee resource group coordinator; Customer service roles in inclusive or mission-driven companies
  • Healthcare & Public Health: (support roles): health education outreach assistant; clinic receptionist or patient advocate in inclusive care settings; peer health educator
To explore potential jobs in this field of study, we strongly urge you to visit LBCC Career Center. Working with a career counselor, we will assess your strengths, skills, interests, and accomplishments to help you identify internship opportunities and career goals that match your educational and professional needs.

FAQ

What is the Gender & Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement (GSS COA)?

The GSS COA is a specialized program that offers students an interdisciplinary understanding of how gender, sexuality, race, and other aspects of identity intersect and influence both individual lives and societal structures.  The certificate includes coursework in feminist theory, LGBTQ+ studies, philosophy, psychology, sociology, history, and health education, preparing students for a variety of entry-level positions in social services, advocacy, education, media, and other areas.

How many units does it take to obtain the Gender & Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement (GSS COA).

There are 18 units required for the GSS COA.  Many of these units overlap with various AA-T’s, such as the Social Justice Studies AA-T.

Who is this program for?

This program is ideal for students interested in understanding and addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, and social justice.  It’s ideal for those who are passionate about advocacy, equity, and inclusion, and for students considering careers or further study in social services, education, community work, or other related fields.

What are the benefits of earning this certificate?

  • Diverse Career Opportunities: The certificate opens up careers in social services, nonprofits, education, philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, health ed, and more.
  • Critical Skills: Students develop critical thinking, communication, and cultural competency skills that are highly valued by employers.
  • Pathway to Further Education: This certificate can be a stepping stone to a BA in Gender Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Social Justice Studies, History, Health Education, or related fields.

How long does it take to complete the Gender & Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement (GSS COA)?

The GSS COA requires 6 classes of 3 units each.  These 6 classes could be completed in 1 semester (if, for instance, you were to take 8-week classes).  Students could also take the courses of the course of as long as 2 years while completing other courses to obtain an AA-T in: Social Justice Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, History, or Health Education.

What kind of jobs can I get with the Gender & Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement (GSS COA)?

Students who obtain the GSS COA can pursue a variety of entry-level positions, such as: Social service worker; LGBTQ+ outreach coordinator; Peer counselor; Program assistant in nonprofits or advocacy organizations; Health educator or public outreach coordinator.  These jobs often focus on advocacy, support, education, and outreach, particularly in marginalized communities.

Can I obtain an AA while completing the Gender & Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement (GSS COA)?

Yes!  In fact, students are encouraged to take classes for both an AA-T and the GSS COA simultaneously.  By so doing, students who obtain the GSS COA would have students a foundational focus on gender & sexuality issues while having the more in-depth knowledge of the AA-T of Social Justice Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or Health Ed.

Is the Gender & Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement (GSS COA) offered online or in-person?

It is possible to obtain the GSS COA completely online.  Students may also choose to take the courses on the GSS COA in person.

What if I’m not sure if the Gender & Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement (GSS COA) is the right program for me?

If you’re unsure if the GSS COA is right for you, you can speak to faculty members who teach the courses, or even take one or two courses on the certificate that seem interesting to you.  To see if a course might be interesting to you, look up the course description of the courses listed on the GSS COA.