Build the skills to advocate for and support the unique healthcare needs of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities. Portland State University's certificate in Two-Spirit and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SLGBTQ) Health prepares you for impactful careers in healthcare.
Oregon has more LGBTQ people per capita than any other state. Demand for affirming care providers is growing. With PSU's certificate, you'll understand the histories, current realities, and future directions of these communities' health needs.
Our certificate gives you a demonstrable edge in this vital and high-demand field. You'll bring a new perspective into careers in healthcare, administration, policy, and advocacy.
The Only Program of Its Kind in the Region
The Two-Spirit and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Health certificate at Portland State is unique in Oregon and one of only a few in the nation.
Portland is already known as a destination for inclusive care. PSU's program equips you with the knowledge and skills to meet the growing need for affirming healthcare providers.
Explore Health in the Broadest Sense
Explore 2SLGBTQ+ populations in the U.S. through an intersectional lens. A person's experiences with health systems vary based on how they identify. Learn how health impacts intersect with race, sexuality, class, gender, disability, and nation.
Compare individual, systemic, and policy understandings of health. Gain perspectives across key care areas:
- Physical, mental, and behavioral health
- Public and clinical health
- Cultural and community health
Our faculty bring their expertise from a variety of disciplines. These include anthropology, communication, public health, psychology, sociology, and gender and sexuality studies.
What You Will Learn
In your core classes, get a foundation in Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ health. You'll be introduced to health justice frameworks, social movement histories, and current perspectives.
For your elective, choose from a variety of topics that align with your interests. Courses include:
- Queer Families
- Sexuality and Family Systems
- Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
- Health Communication
- Indigiqueer Studies
- Psychology of Human Sexuality
- Queer Philosophy
- Transgender Studies
Our courses center queer, feminist and Indigenous perspectives.
Get Connected to Employers
At Portland State, we believe in learning by doing. That's why an internship is part of the certificate, giving you the opportunity to work with Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ populations.
We have partnerships with organizations across the region, including:
- Large healthcare systems
- County and state governments health divisions
- Smaller, specialized health practices
You'll have regular opportunities to connect with people working in the field before you graduate.
A Value-Add for Working Professionals
You don't have to be an admitted PSU student to complete our certificate. Our program provides mid-career professionals with a path for professional growth and leadership.
Healthcare and social service jobs are projected to grow over 15% in the next decade. This certificate gives you a distinct advantage in clinical care, public health policy, and community outreach.
In-Demand Career Paths
- Physical Health: Patient advocate, gender-affirming care provider, clinical specialist
- Mental & Behavioral Health: Community counselor, youth support coordinator, case manager
- Health Policy & Administration: Health equity policy advisor, program manager, public health analyst
Our pre-health students use this certificate to stand out when applying to medical and professional health schools. It prepares them to care for diverse patient populations.
Where You Can Work
You can find opportunities in many different organizations, including:
- Hospital networks and clinical care centers
- Community nonprofits and health centers
- City, county, and state government agencies
- Inclusive private healthcare practices
- LGBTQ+ community organizations
- Native organizations
PSU's 2SLGBTQ Health certificate gives you the knowledge and hands-on experience to make a difference.
Ready to add the 2SLGBTQ Health certificate to your degree plan?
- Declare the Certificate: Connect with your academic advisor to add 2SLGBTQ Health.
- Browse Classes: Check the course schedule to enroll in WS 362, PHE 452 or PHE 468.
- Not a PSU Student Yet? Connect with an admissions advisor or request info to learn how to register as a non-admitted professional.