LGBT Education Program

Exploration Pathway

Sexual orientation and gender identity are fundamental to understanding society, impacting how people interact with government and other institutions in their local communities. NVC offers multiple options for exploring this inter-disciplinary field of study, from non-credit certificate programs to university transfer degrees.

Catalog Information

Did You Know?

  • LGBTQ Connection, which began as a youth group in 2010, serves thousands of individuals, their families and communities in Sonoma and Napa counties with community support, counseling, and more.
  • One in 5 Gen Z adults – that’s 20% -- identify as LGBT. LGBT identification across all age groups in the U.S. is 7.1%.

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PRIDE LEARNING COMMUNITY

The Pride Learning Community is a immersive, engaging, and exciting learning community for LGBTQ+ and ally students. You can participate by registering for an LGBT Education course and or by becoming a member of the Pride Student Club. The Pride Learning Community supports classes and student activities on and off campus. This is an opportunity to get so much more from your college experience. 

Pride Learning Community

Program Highlights

NVC’s program provides the opportunity for study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues related to the family, education, health care, and the community. Students explore a wide range of topics related to how people identify their sexuality and gender and how those identities are impacted and influenced in the family, in schools, in health care settings, and throughout the community.

The interdisciplinary nature of the program and its attention to diversity and inclusivity in occupations that serve the public, provides valuable career training for a variety of fields that serve LGBTQ+ populations – from education to hospitality.  It is ideal for anyone working with and serving members of the LGBTQ+ community.

NVC offers a two-year degree and three different certificates in LGBT studies. The Associates Degree in LGBT Education provides a foundation for transfer to pursue LGBT studies degrees at colleges or universities, while the LGBT Studies certificate of achievement provides comprehensive preparation for students specializing in a variety of fields. Focused certificates for educators and heal care workers, as well as a noncredit option, enable students to complement their primary courses of study.

  • Associates Degree in LGBT Education
  • LGBT Studies Certificate - 21 units
  • LGBT Education for Educators - 9 units
  • LGBT Education for Health Occupations - 9 units

We encourage you to apply for every degree and certificate you are eligible to receive. Degrees and certificates enhance your college transcript and resume. They make you a stronger applicant for employment.

Learn How To Apply For A Degree

Applying for one of the certificates listed above is easy and free!  Simply click on the link below and fill out the docu-sign form. We will take care of the rest! You can submit an application for a certificate during the semester when you will become eligible.

Apply For A Certificate 

Occupations

A degree or certification in LGBT education supports the work of educators, health care and emergency medical professionals, criminal justice professions, human services professions, business professionals, and those seeking work in the hospitality industry.  Knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity minorities is essential for anyone working in in a job that engages with other people. 

  • Teachers
  • Social workers
  • Nonprofit administrators
  • Legislators
  • Law enforcement officers and 9-1-1 dispatchers
  • Business and hospitality professionals
  • Doctors, nurses, EMS first-responders
  • Learn More:
    • CareerOneStop – BLS.gov guide to local wage averages & job growth

After NVC

CSU San Diego offers an undergraduate degree specifically in LGBTQ+ Studies, and the CSU system overall offers more than 50 gender studies degrees, including at Sonoma State and Sacramento State. To select which option is right for you, explore the possibilities via the Transfer Center, and work with program faculty and NVC Counseling to ensure coursework aligns with your goals.

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