Students can now receive a certificate of completion in women’s studies at Mesa beginning next fall.

“If we already have a number of students taking these courses, but nothing to show to an employer or put on a transcript, why not certify them in the area of women’s studies for the courses they have already taken.” said Professor of Women in U.S. history, Dr. Marlly Locke.

After completing the required courses, which total 15 units, students will receive a certificate of completion, recognized by the governing board of the San Diego Community College District. These courses fulfill general education requirements, American institution and multi-cultural requirements for the SDCCD and transfer institutions.

” This program will be an interdisciplinary program, classes will be taken in psychology, Black studies, Chicano studies and sociology, in order to gain a more diverse perspective on U.S. and transnational gender issues,” said Professor of Sociology Tanya Kravatz.

In order to obtain a certificate of completion in women’s studies, two courses must be taken; philosophy of women (Phil 125) and introduction to philosophy of contemporary gender issues (Phil 126). Both are core courses needed to receive a major in women’s studies at San Diego State University. Three additional courses are needed which focus on gender issues, the student decides which three courses they want to complete from a list of related classes, like women in the United States History (His141).

Students who have already met the required courses and still attend Mesa, can receive a certificate of completion. For those who have taken a portion of the courses, the certificate will be available as of Fall 2007.

With the certificate of completion in women’s studies, it can prepare the student for a broad range of careers ranging from non-profit organizations, business, family law and other fields with a special concern in women’s issues.

” This certificate can help us understand social relationships, double standards and the history of women’s studies,” said Diana John, student at Mesa College.

Mesa has become the first college in the district to offer this type of certification, after the approval by the governing board of the San Diego community college district on January 26.

” Mesa is setting an example for other colleges to follow, by offering this new program,” said Lily Mercado, Student at Mesa.

The future goal of Women Studies is to create an associate degree program. Consider this certificate of completion as the first step to having such a degree. State procedures need to be taken to offer an associate degree in any field. It differs from a certificate of completion, which only needs a total of 15 units but can not exceed 18.

Interest in the new certificate has been shown among students

” Yes, it (Certificate of completion) will open my mind to see what women have to do to step up in life, and get a good sense of the history of women,” said Brenda Garzia student at Mesa.

The schedule for the required courses and description will be available in the 2007 fall catalog.