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

Jeremiah Public Lecture: "Consent and Sexual Violence in Contemporary Japan: Rethinking Autonomy, Choice, and Equality Under the Law"
Oct27
Jeremiah Public Lecture: "Consent and Sexual Violence in Contemporary Japan: Rethinking Autonomy, Choice, and Equality Under the Law" Oct 27 Chiles Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Oct28
Department of History Coffee Hour Oct 28 McKenzie Hall
Seminar - “A Biophysical Perspective on The Evolution of Multi-Conformation Proteins”
Oct28
Seminar - “A Biophysical Perspective on The Evolution of Multi-Conformation Proteins” Oct 28 Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact
Experiential Learning Opportunity Scholarship Info Session
Oct28
Experiential Learning Opportunity Scholarship Info Session Oct 28 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Global Opportunities Fair
Oct29
Global Opportunities Fair Oct 29 Lillis Business Complex
Cinema Studies Presents: Cinema Gear Demos with B&H and Sony
Oct29
Cinema Studies Presents: Cinema Gear Demos with B&H and Sony Oct 29 Villard Hall
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Brian Trapp, Fiction
Oct29
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: Brian Trapp, Fiction Oct 29 Knight Library
Cinema Studies Presents: Cinema Gear Demos with B&H and Sony
Oct30
Cinema Studies Presents: Cinema Gear Demos with B&H and Sony Oct 30 Villard Hall
Live Lit West
Oct30
Live Lit West Oct 30 Tsunami Books
Research Talk: Deportation, Legal Violence, and Migration to the US
Oct31
Research Talk: Deportation, Legal Violence, and Migration to the US Oct 31 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)