Undergraduate Academics

Undergraduate Programs in Women's & Gender Studies

Women's and Gender Studies is a field of study that takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of gender.

Learn more about how to major in Women's & Gender Studies.

Compatible Undergraduate Minors* with WGS Majors

Why study Women's & Gender Studies?

In our courses, you will learn about the ways that gender serves as a central organizing feature in all societies. We examine the ways in which women's and men's roles in society have been constructed and we consider the ways these roles have changed and continue to transform on personal, political, and transnational levels.

Although gender is often the primary mode of analysis in a women's studies classroom, we also recognize the importance of intersectional analysis - in other words, the study of women's lives is not complete unless attention is paid not only to the impact of gender on our lives, but also the impact of sexuality, race, class, age, ability, nationality, religion, and so on.

Women's Studies courses will keep you informed about, and sensitive to, issues of concern to women, including social roles and status, sexuality, labor, representation, and equity. You will face these issues in your everyday lives; our courses will help you to understand them.

What can I do with my Women's & Gender Studies degree?

In a Women's and Gender Studies classroom, the opinions, experiences, and thoughts of all students are valued. In our classes, students are given room to learn about, and then to form educated opinions on, the world around them.

Our classes are open to all students on campus - women and men! All courses in women's studies encourage students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to develop strong writing and researching abilities. Ultimately, our program is designed to offer you a solid base upon which to enter the workforce, pursue further education, and have an impact on the world.