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

Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Jan21
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time
Jan21
NW-NALRC Consultation and Assistance Time Jan 21
Filmlandia Screening Series: "City Girl"
Jan21
Filmlandia Screening Series: "City Girl" Jan 21 Lawrence Hall
Oregon Quant Group Information Session
Jan21
Oregon Quant Group Information Session Jan 21 Lillis Business Complex
Real Estate Investment Group
Jan21
Real Estate Investment Group Jan 21 Lillis Business Complex
Decolonization and Global Justice Conference
Jan22
Decolonization and Global Justice Conference Jan 22 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Portland Internship Experience (PIE) 2026 Virtual Info-Session
Jan22
Portland Internship Experience (PIE) 2026 Virtual Info-Session Jan 22
Environmental Design in England Info Session
Jan22
Environmental Design in England Info Session Jan 22 Chapman Hall
Geography Colloquium Series: "Our Icy Planet Through the Ages: Glaciers of the Past as a Key to a Rapidly Warming Future"
Jan22
Geography Colloquium Series: "Our Icy Planet Through the Ages: Glaciers of the Past as a Key to a Rapidly Warming Future" Jan 22 Condon Hall
Greece, Hallstatt Europe, and the Nomads: Paths to Democracy in the Sixth Century BCE
Jan22
Greece, Hallstatt Europe, and the Nomads: Paths to Democracy in the Sixth Century BCE Jan 22 Knight Library