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

Government Partnerships and Financing for Sanitation and the Human Right to WASH

Nov

4

Government Partnerships and Financing for Sanitation and the Human Right to WASH

Nov 4 Lawrence Hall
History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Nov

5

History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Nov 5 McKenzie Hall
Politics in Italy Info Session

Nov

5

Politics in Italy Info Session

Nov 5 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
CAS CareerLab Headshots Session

Nov

5

CAS CareerLab Headshots Session

Nov 5 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Creative Writing in Lisbon Info Session

Nov

5

Creative Writing in Lisbon Info Session

Nov 5 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Art and Architecture in London Info Session

Nov

5

Art and Architecture in London Info Session

Nov 5 Lawrence Hall
2026 Post-Election Roundtable

Nov

5

2026 Post-Election Roundtable

Nov 5 Ford Alumni Center
OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Paperwork Politics: Literary Responses to Empire from the Southeast Asian Diaspora"

Nov

6

OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Paperwork Politics: Literary Responses to Empire from the Southeast Asian Diaspora"

Nov 6 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Creative Writing Reading Series: Michael Copperman

Nov

6

Creative Writing Reading Series: Michael Copperman

Nov 6 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Noises Off

Nov

6

Noises Off

Nov 6 Robinson Theatre