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

Postdoc Museum of Natural and Cultural History Tour
May21
Postdoc Museum of Natural and Cultural History Tour May 21 Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Lecture: “Food Fit for a King: What the 1611 Cookbook Teaches Us about Early Modern Spanish Foodways”
May22
Lecture: “Food Fit for a King: What the 1611 Cookbook Teaches Us about Early Modern Spanish Foodways” May 22 Ford Alumni Center
"Los Dreamers"
May22
"Los Dreamers" May 22 Robinson Theatre
Lecture: “A Mediterranean Nightshade: Tomatoes, Trade, and Travel over the Longue Durée”
May23
Lecture: “A Mediterranean Nightshade: Tomatoes, Trade, and Travel over the Longue Durée” May 23 Ford Alumni Center
"Los Dreamers"
May23
"Los Dreamers" May 23 Robinson Theatre
Department of History Coffee Hour
May27
Department of History Coffee Hour May 27 McKenzie Hall
Peace Corps Send-Off Party
May27
Peace Corps Send-Off Party May 27 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: ZZ Packer
May27
Creative Writing Reading Series Presents: ZZ Packer May 27 Knight Library
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Sometimes a Great Notion"
May27
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Sometimes a Great Notion" May 27 Art House Theater
To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement
May28
To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement May 28 Gerlinger Hall