Women's Leadership Certificate

If you are not sure if you want to major/minor in Political Science, but you're interested in certain aspects of the ever evolving field, obtaining a certificate can give you a comprehensive knowledge and practicums that can compliment any major/minor at Portland State University.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Women’s Leadership provides undergraduate students with a focused course of study on women leaders across disciplines, with an emphasis on the challenges that they face and techniques for overcoming those challenges. Certificate requirements include both political science and women’s studies courses, in addition to electives drawn from departments across campus. This certificate offers an interdisciplinary understanding of the current issues facing women leaders today, and also requires participation in a skill-building seminar (PS 381) designed to foster students’ confidence and leadership ability. This certificate is open to any undergraduate with interest in women’s leadership.

Why Study Women's Leadership at PSU?

This certificate was crafted with two main goals in mind:

To guide students through a curriculum on leadership that is appropriate for all majors and accessible for those students that have never thought of themselves as leaders before.
To provide actual leadership training to our students.

In short, it's the best of both worlds: it gives students the foundation in academic research on women's leadership as well as practical skills that will help them become leaders in any field. Participants in the certificate program will also have an opportunity to learn from the members of the Center for Women's Leadership, housed in the Hatfield School of Government.

Learn more about the Center for Women's Leadership

Learn more about the Hatfield School

What can you do with a Certificate in Women's Leadership?

Employers are always looking for evidence of leadership skills, so having this on your resume will be a positive attribute for any field. The knowledge and skills you gain from this certificate are the most valuable thing about it; after getting this certificate you will both understand more about women in leadership and have a new skillset to draw upon if you choose to go for a leadership position.

Ready to start?

Students can take exciting courses in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats on topics such as criminal justice, indigenous leadership, gender in politics, activism, and community leadership. Our department values internships in a wide variety of areas and encourages students to study abroad.

Students are required to complete degree requirements specified in their major in order to be awarded the Women’s Leadership Certificate. In addition, students must complete all certificate requirements, totaling 20 credit hours.

Contact your CUPA professional advisor or the program faculty advisor, Prof. Kim Williams, with questions about our program or course offerings.

Women's Leadership Certificate Cirriculum

Contact Dr. Williams