LGBTQ Health Studies (CERT)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2024–Spring 2025 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Certificate in LGBTQ Health Studies
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Academic Plan Code(s): LGBTCET

Program Information

The expansion of health care in the United States and increased awareness of LGBTQ populations have created a need for anyone working in the field of health care (as a practitioner, an administrator, an insurer, or a non-profit)  to understand the specific health care needs of LGBTQ persons and common biases against them. This undergraduate certificate program provides students with knowledge about the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ populations and the past and ongoing discrimination they face in society and the healthcare field.

The certificate requires 15 credit hours of coursework. Nine (9) hours are required, core coursework and six (6) are elective coursework. The required courses are taught by Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGST) faculty and Philosophy (PHIL) faculty. Elective courses are taught by faculty in Communication, Philosophy, Sociology, and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate students who are currently enrolled at UofL must be in good standing to enter the LGBTQ Health Studies certificate program.  First time freshmen, transfer, and postbaccalaureate applicants must meet the regular admission standards of the College of Arts and Sciences.  This undergraduate certificate program may be completed as a stand-alone credential; however, it will not be eligible for federal financial aid. Students enrolled in degree programs and pursuing this certificate may be eligible for federal financial aid.

Program Requirements

At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a certificate must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.