The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the UO is a dynamic and collegial interdisciplinary department comprised of award-winning researchers, teachers, and public scholars. The department offers classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels that examine a broad range of feminist inquires, from queer studies, women of color and decolonial feminisms, migration and citizenship, social activism, archival studies, creative writing, environmental and climate justice, and other emergent subjects and methods. Our students learn how to think and read critically, to express themselves in writing and other creative forms, and to engage in professional practice through internships, setting them up for future study or work in fields such as social work, education, healthcare, non-profit management, library and museum studies.
The Department is home to the Sally Miller Gearhart Lecture Series advancing lesbian history and culture, promoting dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, supporting diversity, and empowering lesbian and non-binary voices in higher education.
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Internship Program
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies majors gain valuable experience and skills by securing an internship opportunity that helps prepare them for the future while simultaneously earning credit toward their major and degree through the “Feminist Praxis Internship Seminar.”
Isabel Millán's 2024 book brings home awards
Associate Professor Isabel Millán's book Coloring into Existence: Queer of Color Worldmaking in Children's Literature continues to bring home awards. In April 2025, Millán received the 2025 National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Book Award. She also received several International Latino Book Awards (ILBA) including a Gold Medal for “Best LGBTQ+ Themed Book," a Silver Medal for “The Raul Yzaguirre Best Political/Current Affairs Book" and a “Rising Star” Award for Nonfiction.
What You Can Do with a Degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
A critical understanding of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies is an asset to careers in many fields, including non-profit management, social work, education, museum studies, library sciences, and publishing, among others. The WGSS major/minor and the QSTS minor also prepare students for entering interdisciplinary graduate programs that emphasize the study of women, gender, and sexuality, as well as traditional academic disciplines. A degree in WGSS provides students with a foundation for employment in:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Research institutes
- Colleges and universities
- Healthcare practices and organizations
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Youth and family agencies
- Libraries and archives
- Political action committees
- Public interest groups
- Human rights organizations
Feminist and Queer Zine Launch
What do feminist and queer zines look like? What is the collective power of zines, and how can they respond to our current political climate? Participants discussed these questions and more at the official launch party of the Gender Collective's inaugural issue, "Future Building: Hope and Praxis."
Our Degree Programs
Students in the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies can pursue a major or a minor. The department also offers a minor in queer studies and a graduate certificate in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
Learn from Experts in the Field
Our faculty are experts who conduct intersectional research within their fields and work closely with students to provide individualized guidance. Core and affiliated faculty in the department come from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, including history, literature, anthropology, sociology, geography, philosophy, law, political science, public policy, environmental studies, ethnic studies, religious studies, architecture and fine arts, music, romance and Germanic languages.
Get Real-world Experience
Our students extend their learning beyond the classroom through numerous experiential learning opportunities. Immerse yourself in another culture while studying abroad, develop vital job skills in an internship, or conduct original research on a topic that sparks your interest.
Scholarships and Funding
Students who need help funding their studies can apply for scholarships from the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences.
Academic Support
Our academic advisors can help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.
