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

Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom)
Oct30
Let's Talk - Wednesdays Noon-2MP (Peterson Hall/Zoom) Oct 30 Peterson Hall
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom)
Oct30
Let’s Talk – Wednesdays 2PM-4PM (BCC/Zoom) Oct 30 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Women in Economics Club
Oct31
Women in Economics Club Oct 31 Allen Hall
Introduction to Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Nov1
Introduction to Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Nov 1
Organic-Inorganic-Materials Chemistry Seminar: Synthetic Strategies toward Fluorosulfurylation of Organic Molecules and Lewis-Acid Catalyzed Sulfur-Fluoride Exchange
Nov1
Organic-Inorganic-Materials Chemistry Seminar: Synthetic Strategies toward Fluorosulfurylation of Organic Molecules and Lewis-Acid Catalyzed Sulfur-Fluoride Exchange Nov 1 Willamette Hall
HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholars Program Info Session
Nov4
HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholars Program Info Session Nov 4
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science 3MT Slide
Nov4
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science 3MT Slide Nov 4
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Photo-scissile Ruthenium Compounds for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery
Nov4
Physical Chemistry Seminar: Photo-scissile Ruthenium Compounds for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Nov 4 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
More than 2024:  Historians Pick the Craziest and Most Consequential US Elections
Nov4
More than 2024:  Historians Pick the Craziest and Most Consequential US Elections Nov 4 McKenzie Hall 375
Department of History Coffee Hour
Nov5
Department of History Coffee Hour Nov 5 McKenzie Hall