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

Screening of the film "BELLA"
Apr27
Screening of the film "BELLA" Apr 27 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series - On the nature of chemical reactivity in atmospheric aerosol
Apr28
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series - On the nature of chemical reactivity in atmospheric aerosol Apr 28 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr29
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 29 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Drowning the Sacred Sea:  Lake Baikal and the Hydroelectric Moment in World History" 
Apr29
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Drowning the Sacred Sea:  Lake Baikal and the Hydroelectric Moment in World History"  Apr 29 McKenzie Hall
Roots and Rhythms: A Conversation on Afrodescendencia, Indigenous Heritage, and Community Empowerment in Mexico and Puerto Rico
Apr29
Roots and Rhythms: A Conversation on Afrodescendencia, Indigenous Heritage, and Community Empowerment in Mexico and Puerto Rico Apr 29 Lawrence Hall
Virtual Event: Preserving Latinx Stories with NPR's VP of Research, Archives, and Strategy
Apr30
Virtual Event: Preserving Latinx Stories with NPR's VP of Research, Archives, and Strategy Apr 30
Careers Beyond the Postdoc - Academic Teaching Panel
Apr30
Careers Beyond the Postdoc - Academic Teaching Panel Apr 30
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then”
Apr30
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then” Apr 30 McKenzie Hall
Gender, Race and Empire Symposium
May1
Gender, Race and Empire Symposium May 1 Knight Library
Conversation on Democracy's Future, featuring Larry Diamond and Francis Fukuyama
May1
Conversation on Democracy's Future, featuring Larry Diamond and Francis Fukuyama May 1 Ford Alumni Center