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

Iran Beyond the Headlines: Revolutionary Politics, Foreign Relations, and Prospects for Peace/Day 2

Oct

23

Iran Beyond the Headlines: Revolutionary Politics, Foreign Relations, and Prospects for Peace/Day 2

Oct 23 Gerlinger Hall
HSI Symposium: Building a Latinx-Thriving University

Oct

23

HSI Symposium: Building a Latinx-Thriving University

Oct 23 Ford Alumni Center
Representing Central Asia in the Academy: Methodologies of Teaching and Scholarship

Oct

23

Representing Central Asia in the Academy: Methodologies of Teaching and Scholarship

Oct 23 McKenzie Hall
Public Lands Justice

Oct

26

Public Lands Justice

Oct 26 Knight Library
Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Oct

27

Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Oct 27 Villard Hall
Eco-Fascism Lecture Series: "Blood and Soil: Race, Gender and Food in Nazi Ideology"

Oct

27

Eco-Fascism Lecture Series: "Blood and Soil: Race, Gender and Food in Nazi Ideology"

Oct 27 Gerlinger Hall
History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Oct

29

History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Oct 29 McKenzie Hall
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies: Open House

Oct

29

Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies: Open House

Oct 29 McKenzie Hall
OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Peoples of the Heartland: Native Nations, Sovereign Acts, and the Making of California"

Oct

30

OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Peoples of the Heartland: Native Nations, Sovereign Acts, and the Making of California"

Oct 30 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Halloween Night at the Aquarium

Oct

31

Halloween Night at the Aquarium

Oct 31 Charleston Marine Life Center