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
Jan28
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 28 McKenzie Hall
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Laws and the Food Sovereignty of Alaska Native Peoples
Jan28
Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium—Laws and the Food Sovereignty of Alaska Native Peoples Jan 28 Many Nations Longhouse
Intro to GitHub Portfolios for Job Seekers (Career Readiness Workshop)
Jan29
Intro to GitHub Portfolios for Job Seekers (Career Readiness Workshop) Jan 29 Knight Library
Winter Career & Internship Expo
Jan30
Winter Career & Internship Expo Jan 30 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Book Disciplines Workshop Series: What to Expect During the Book Publishing Process, from Contract to Publication
Jan30
Book Disciplines Workshop Series: What to Expect During the Book Publishing Process, from Contract to Publication Jan 30
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Seminar – Comparing Metalloenzymatic Active Sites to Synthetic Model Complexes: Expanding Views on Supporting Ligands
Jan31
Organic/Inorganic/Materials Seminar – Comparing Metalloenzymatic Active Sites to Synthetic Model Complexes: Expanding Views on Supporting Ligands Jan 31 Willamette Hall
Roundtable: Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature in Global Context
Jan31
Roundtable: Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature in Global Context Jan 31 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Outliers and Outlaws—Documentary Screening and Q&A
Feb2
Outliers and Outlaws—Documentary Screening and Q&A Feb 2 Straub Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb4
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 4 McKenzie Hall
Patty Krawec: "Surviving Together"
Feb4
Patty Krawec: "Surviving Together" Feb 4 Knight Library