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

What is Research? (2026)
Apr24
What is Research? (2026) Apr 24 UO Portland
College of Arts and Sciences Liberal Arts Summit
Apr24
College of Arts and Sciences Liberal Arts Summit Apr 24 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
"Beyond Extraction" Symposium and Film Screenings (Day 2)
Apr24
"Beyond Extraction" Symposium and Film Screenings (Day 2) Apr 24 Knight Library
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook
Apr24
ArcGIS Pro and the Makerspace: Laser-Cut Map Notebook Apr 24 Knight Library
"Radium Girls"
Apr24
"Radium Girls" Apr 24 Miller Theatre Complex
What is Research? (2026)
Apr25
What is Research? (2026) Apr 25 UO Portland
"Radium Girls"
Apr25
"Radium Girls" Apr 25 Miller Theatre Complex
"Radium Girls"
Apr26
"Radium Girls" Apr 26 Miller Theatre Complex
Jeremiah Public Symposium: Foodways in Early East Asia
Apr28
Jeremiah Public Symposium: Foodways in Early East Asia Apr 28 Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “If the child dies, it will cost my life too, that cannot be avoided.” Suicide by Proxy, Social Discipline and the Psyche in Early Modern Germany
Apr28
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “If the child dies, it will cost my life too, that cannot be avoided.” Suicide by Proxy, Social Discipline and the Psyche in Early Modern Germany Apr 28 McKenzie Hall