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

Great Oregon ShakeOut

Oct

15

Great Oregon ShakeOut

Oct 15
History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Oct

15

History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Oct 15 McKenzie Hall
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Fall Open House

Oct

15

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Fall Open House

Oct 15 Hendricks Lawn
History Dept. Seminar: “From Cabinets of Curiosity to Global Science: How Southeast Asia Shaped Modern Natural History”

Oct

15

History Dept. Seminar: “From Cabinets of Curiosity to Global Science: How Southeast Asia Shaped Modern Natural History”

Oct 15 McKenzie Hall
Jeremiah Public Lecture: "Finding Sustainable Transitions in Declining Japanese Municipalities"

Oct

15

Jeremiah Public Lecture: "Finding Sustainable Transitions in Declining Japanese Municipalities"

Oct 15 Knight Library
Career Tour - Tech + Design Edition

Oct

16

Career Tour - Tech + Design Edition

Oct 16 Ford Alumni Center
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies: Welcome Event

Oct

16

Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies: Welcome Event

Oct 16 McKenzie Hall
Job Shadow Day Info Session

Oct

19

Job Shadow Day Info Session

Oct 19 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Oct

20

Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Oct 20 Villard Hall
Your Future in Sustainability (Career Panel + Networking)

Oct

20

Your Future in Sustainability (Career Panel + Networking)

Oct 20 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall