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

Writing Lab Writing and Research Support Drop-In Event
Nov17
Writing Lab Writing and Research Support Drop-In Event Nov 17 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Physical Chemistry Seminar: “Trapped Ion Mobility-Assisted Sequencing and Analysis of Protein Ions”
Nov17
Physical Chemistry Seminar: “Trapped Ion Mobility-Assisted Sequencing and Analysis of Protein Ions” Nov 17 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Nov18
Department of History Coffee Hour Nov 18 McKenzie Hall
Environmental Justice and Indigeneity in Sāmoa Info Session
Nov18
Environmental Justice and Indigeneity in Sāmoa Info Session Nov 18 Straub Hall
Living a Language: Finding Balance and Productivity in Language Reclamation Work
Nov18
Living a Language: Finding Balance and Productivity in Language Reclamation Work Nov 18 Kalapuya Ilihi
International Cultural Service Program Presentations
Nov18
International Cultural Service Program Presentations Nov 18 Mills International Center
Film Screening of "Vietnamerica," a National Simulcast
Nov18
Film Screening of "Vietnamerica," a National Simulcast Nov 18 Justice Bean Hall
Current Free Speech Controversies: a Discussion with Former ACLU President, Nadine Strossen
Nov18
Current Free Speech Controversies: a Discussion with Former ACLU President, Nadine Strossen Nov 18 Gerlinger Hall
Tropical Ecology in Ecuador Info Session
Nov18
Tropical Ecology in Ecuador Info Session Nov 18 Huestis Hall
GIS Day Open House
Nov19
GIS Day Open House Nov 19 Knight Library