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

Department of History Coffee Hour
Mar3
Department of History Coffee Hour Mar 3 McKenzie Hall
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Mar4
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Mar 4
Job Shadow Day Info Session
Mar4
Job Shadow Day Info Session Mar 4 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
UO Job Shadow Day Interest Meeting
Mar4
UO Job Shadow Day Interest Meeting Mar 4 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Property"
Mar4
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Property" Mar 4 Villard Hall
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting
Mar4
Real Estate Investment Group Meeting Mar 4 Lillis Business Complex
Native American and Indigenous Studies Presents: "Coyote Steals the Salmon" Book Signing
Mar5
Native American and Indigenous Studies Presents: "Coyote Steals the Salmon" Book Signing Mar 5 William W. Knight Law Center
"Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons"
Mar5
"Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons" Mar 5 Villard Hall
Jeremiah Public Symposium: Sustainable Development in China
Mar6
Jeremiah Public Symposium: Sustainable Development in China Mar 6 Knight Library
"Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons"
Mar6
"Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons" Mar 6 Villard Hall