Gender & Sexuality Studies
Long Beach City College’s Gender and Sexuality Studies program is an interdisciplinary certificate of achievement. The courses on the certificate provide students the opportunity to begin to understand multiple perspectives of gender and sexuality, as well as other components of, identity. That framework will allow students to better understand the variety of systemic structures that act upon and influence those identities, and how the understanding of those identities influences systemic structures.
The perspective through which students examine those identities and influences include philosophical, (metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy), sociological, psychological, and historical. Students will engage in reading, discussion, and research to develop a critically thought-out view about these systemic interactions. Some practical applications of these examinations may include, but is certainly not limited to, the examination of public policy regarding health care or athletic participation in sports for the transgender community.
The Gender and Sexuality Studies program at Long Beach City College is ideal for anyone who wishes to learn more about identity and the import of identity in a social justice context. Students might consider obtaining the Social Justice Studies AA-T in conjunction with this certificate. After obtaining the certificate of achievement, students may directly seek work for an advocacy organization, or continue to a four-year college or university to study Gender Studies, LGBTQIA+ Studies, Sociology, Psychology, History, or Health Education. The Gender and Sexuality Studies Certificate of Achievement is also a good foundation to pursue graduate studies in any of the aforementioned fields, or other fields, such as law or Public Health.
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
Gender and Sexuality Studies – Certificate of Achievement (COA)
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CAREER INFO
Long Beach City College’s certificate of achievement in Gender & Sexuality Studies is an excellent foundation for any career requiring critical thinking skills, such as the ability to examine a situation from multiple perspectives. These skills are helpful in fields such as, but certainly not limited to, social work, political science, history, law, and public policy.
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 helps students explore how gender, sexuality, race, and other aspects of identity shape personal experiences and social systems. Through coursework in areas such as feminist theory, LGBTQ+ studies, psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, and health education, students gain practical analytical and communication skills that can be applied to entry-level work in social services, advocacy, education, media, and related fields.
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 well suited for students who want to better understand issues of gender, sexuality, and social justice. It appeals to those interested in advocacy, equity, and inclusion, as well as students who are considering careers or further study in social services, education, community-based work, or related fields.
What are the benefits of earning this certificate?
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Diverse Career Opportunities: This certificate can prepare students for work in social services, nonprofits, education, and fields like philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, and health education.
Practical Skills: Students gain critical thinking, communication, and cultural competency—skills that employers in many fields value.
Pathway to Further Education: The certificate can also serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Social Justice Studies, History, Health Education, or related areas.
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 in a period 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! Students are actually encouraged to take classes for both the AA-T and the GSS COA at the same time. This way, students earning the GSS COA can build a strong foundation in gender and sexuality studies while also gaining more in-depth knowledge through the AA-T in Social Justice Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or Health Education.
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 with the exception of Socio 17, which is offered in a hybrid version. Students may also choose to take the courses on the GSS COA in-person or in hybrid format.
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.