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

Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events)
Apr17
Spring Career Readiness Week (full list of events) Apr 17
The Arts and Crafts of Mapmaking: BTAA GIS Conference Watch Party!
Apr17
The Arts and Crafts of Mapmaking: BTAA GIS Conference Watch Party! Apr 17 Knight Library
"Radium Girls"
Apr17
"Radium Girls" Apr 17 Miller Theatre Complex
"Radium Girls"
Apr18
"Radium Girls" Apr 18 Miller Theatre Complex
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook
Apr20
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook Apr 20 Knight Library
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Landscape Architects and Indigenous-led Projects
Apr20
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Landscape Architects and Indigenous-led Projects Apr 20 Many Nations Longhouse
Health Grad & Career Expo 2026
Apr22
Health Grad & Career Expo 2026 Apr 22 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr22
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 22 McKenzie Hall
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook
Apr22
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook Apr 22 Knight Library
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops
Apr22
NW-NALRC Community Project Planning and Development Workshops Apr 22