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

Book Talk by Professor Ryan Topper, African Studies Lecture Series
Feb9
Book Talk by Professor Ryan Topper, African Studies Lecture Series Feb 9 Gerlinger Hall
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: 'The Indians Are a Nation':  Indigenous Self-Determination in Early Twentieth Century California
Feb9
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: 'The Indians Are a Nation':  Indigenous Self-Determination in Early Twentieth Century California Feb 9 Whirled Pies
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb10
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 10 McKenzie Hall
Anthropology in Barbados Information Session
Feb10
Anthropology in Barbados Information Session Feb 10 Condon Hall
Food, Media, and Tourism in Italy and Spain Info Session
Feb10
Food, Media, and Tourism in Italy and Spain Info Session Feb 10 Anstett Hall
WGSS Presents: “Insurance, Racial Infrastructure and the Financialization of Domestic Life”
Feb10
WGSS Presents: “Insurance, Racial Infrastructure and the Financialization of Domestic Life” Feb 10 Knight Library
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Feb11
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Feb 11
Explore Careers in Tech (Fair)
Feb11
Explore Careers in Tech (Fair) Feb 11 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Stephanie Reents
Feb11
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Stephanie Reents Feb 11 Knight Library
Filmlandia Screening Series: Short Film Program
Feb11
Filmlandia Screening Series: Short Film Program Feb 11 Villard Hall