Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Students in our program explore the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality in national, transnational, and diasporic contexts. Classes examine feminist and queer theories, decolonial and children’s literatures, international institutions and government policies, and art and social activism. A common thread is focusing on people’s lived experiences of gender and sexuality, as well as inequities in access to healthcare, education, political representation, and other forms of power that are shaped by gender and sex. We offer both a major and minor in WGSS, as well as a minor in queer studies.


Graduates sitting outdoors for ceremony

Major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Students in our program explore the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality; the institutional structures that have an impact on women’s and men’s lives; and the broad range of feminist theory that seeks to explain and influence women’s status in society. We offer both a major and minor in WGSS, as well as a minor in queer studies.


Student in front of an arch in Ghana

Get Real-World Experience

Students in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies can expand their skills by pursuing unique internship opportunities, engaging in individual research projects, or participating in study abroad programs and other experiential learning experiences.

Experiential Learning


Students posing next to table holding magazines

What You Can Do with a Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Degree

A WGSS major can prepare you to work in many fields or pursue further education in graduate schools or professional schools of law, medicine, teaching, or social work. Learn about possible careers and hear from alumni.

Explore Careers


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with an advisor, find important forms, and get your questions answered.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department.

Explore Scholarships and Awards


Events

Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb17
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 17 McKenzie Hall
Kritish Rajbhandari, "India from the Indian Ocean"
Feb17
Kritish Rajbhandari, "India from the Indian Ocean" Feb 17 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Feb18
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Feb 18
Food Studies in Costa Rica Information Session
Feb18
Food Studies in Costa Rica Information Session Feb 18
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting
Feb18
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting Feb 18 Lillis Business Complex
IRES Presents: “Displaced Practices of Discursive Change Circulations of Social Justice Ephemeralities within a Leather Bar Context”
Feb20
IRES Presents: “Displaced Practices of Discursive Change Circulations of Social Justice Ephemeralities within a Leather Bar Context” Feb 20 Ford Alumni Center
Anthropology Day Party
Feb20
Anthropology Day Party Feb 20 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
NILI Presents: Film Screening and Q&A
Feb20
NILI Presents: Film Screening and Q&A Feb 20 Art House Theater
"Much Ado About Nothing"
Feb20
"Much Ado About Nothing" Feb 20 Robinson Theatre
"Much Ado About Nothing"
Feb21
"Much Ado About Nothing" Feb 21 Robinson Theatre