Frequently Asked Questions
What is human sexuality?
Human sexuality refers to the ways in which people express and experience intimacy and attraction to others. It includes sexual behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, as well as physical, emotional, and sexual attraction. Human sexuality has multiple aspects or dimensions, including sociocultural, biological, spiritual, relational, ethical, and psychological. While human sexuality is personal for everyone, there are common aspects of it that students can learn about in order to gain a better understanding of human nature.
Why is the study of human sexuality important?
Human sexuality plays an important role in our lives and in our society. Sexuality can affect how people treat each other and how they maintain their own intimate personal space. A deeper understanding of human sexuality can help people make informed decisions in their personal lives and careers. Earning a credential in human sexuality helps professionals learn how it can affect people’s physical and mental health and well-being. When applied in the health care field, this can lead to better outcomes for those with physical conditions or mental health problems related to sexual health.
See also our short video with Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Kristen Mark.
What do you learn in a human sexuality course?
As part of the Human Sexuality certificate program at the University of Minnesota, students will complete courses covering the foundations of human sexuality, such as sexuality across the lifespan, history, cultures, biology, and more. Other required courses in this certificate program include sexual pleasure and intimacy, policy in human sexuality, and perspectives and practices in sexual health education. Policy in human sexuality covers national and international policies related to sexuality and gender, while the perspectives and practices in a sexual health education course teach about the history of, and issues related to, sexual education in the United States.
What are the benefits of taking a human sexuality class?
Human sexuality classes teach those working in related fields how to help people connect with themselves and with others. Kiana Hernandez, a Human Sexuality certificate student, says, "my passion is helping people know themselves and find this love within so they can share their energy with their partner(s)."
Therapists can use this training when working in marriage or couples counseling. Physicians can use this knowledge when creating a treatment plan for certain medical conditions. Sergei Lenskii, MD and PhD, sees this certificate program as “an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of human sexuality on a modern scientific basis, without medical, religious, cultural, political, and other biases.”
Which sexuality program is right for me?
CCAPS offer a master's degree in sexual health, a sex therapy certificate, and a transgender health certificate. Consult this table to find out which one matches your career goals.
Which AASECT requirements does the Human Sexuality Certificate fulfill?
The HSEX program partially fulfills requirements for becoming an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, Counselor, or Therapist. Each of these three certifications requires a minimum of 90 clock hours of academic coursework in sexuality education, covering specific core knowledge areas. Of the 90 clock hours of Core Knowledge, 75 hours may be earned through asynchronous online learning, and 15 must be taken in-person or through synchronous online learning. Your HSEX courses can fulfill select requirements in those Core Knowledge areas. Completion of this program does not guarantee AASECT certification. Visit the AASECT website to learn more.
How do most students pay for the certificate?
Certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid but may have other options for funding. For example, SELF loans are low-interest, long-term student loans available exclusively to students taking courses online or in person at Minnesota institutions. In addition, the University recommends FASTChoice as a tool to explore private loan possibilities. You may also look into the University’s payment plan options to spread payments throughout the semester. Most domestic students are eligible to apply for need-based scholarships specific to the College. Also see the main financial aid page and select “Graduate Certificate Students” for more information.
Students pursuing AASECT certification should plan to finance AASECT requirements on their own.
Note: If you’re considering applying for the MPS in Sexual Health in addition to the certificate, keep in mind that only master’s degree students are eligible for federal financial aid.
Letters of recommendation are listed as optional for certificates. Why would I want to use them?
Letters of recommendation are an additional way to share your story with the admission panel, but not submitting letters of recommendation will not decrease your chances of admission. If you’re concerned that some areas of your application are not particularly strong, you may want to include a letter of recommendation that supports that area of your application. For example, if you feel that your resume doesn’t show the extent of your professional experience, you might ask a supervisor of a recent volunteer position to write a letter of recommendation about the impact you’ve made in their organization.
If your grades are below the 3.0 requirement, you will need to submit an extenuating circumstances statement describing why you feel you can succeed in the program. In addition, you may want to include a letter of recommendation from someone, such as a former professor, who can speak to your writing and research abilities and potential for academic success. Read more about graduate admission to CCAPS.