Examine identity and experience across societies

The Women’s and Gender Studies degree program focuses on examining women’s and men’s identities and experiences in relation to gender, race, class and culture. Its curriculum addresses issues of power and resistance and connects feminist theories and research to public policy and social justice.

Classes focus on feminist and social justice theory with an emphasis on agency, social responsibility, advocacy and activism. You’ll develop strong writing and critical thinking skills and learn to make connections between theory and real-world practice.

Classes

Coursework

• Women and Politics
• Women in the Middle East
• Deconstructing the Diva
• Growing Up Female in the U.S.
• Gender Violence and Resistance
• Female Identities: Young Adult Literature

Resources

• Major Requirements
• Schedule of Classes
• College Website

Concentrations/Tracks

• Gender and Human Development
• Gender, Culture and the Arts
• Individualized concentration
• International Perspectives
• Perspectives on Race and Class
• Social Justice and Public Policy
• Theoretical Perspectives

• Minor offered
• Combined bachelor’s + master’s degree offered

Career Options

Common Career Areas

• Public policy
• Social services
• Law
• Advocacy work
• Journalism
• Human rights

More career info

91%

of Interdisciplinary Program graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.

Major Requirements

Course Requirements

Common Core

Course List

Course	Title	Quarter Hours
WGS 100	WOMEN'S LIVES:RACE/CLASS/GENDER (Students are encouraged to take this before taking additional coursework in the major)	4
WGS 200	WOMEN'S STUDIES IN TRANSNATIONAL CONTEXTS	4
WGS 250	FEMINIST FRAMEWORKS	4
WGS 300	FEMINIST THEORIES	4
WGS 391	METHODS AND SCHOLARSHIP IN WOMEN'S STUDIES	4
WGS 395	WOMEN'S STUDIES ADVANCED SEMINAR	4

Concentration

Students must also complete a four-course concentration. All students develop an Individualized Concentration in consultation with their faculty advisor. 

WGS students have developed concentrations in areas such as Arts & Activism; International Perspectives; Social Policy & Social Justice; Women of Color & Feminist Thought; Gender & Sexualities; among others.  We encourage students to develop an individualized program of study that best suits their academic interests and career goals, and are committed to working closely with students as they develop their major concentration and interdisciplinary curricular focus.

Major Field Electives

Three additional electives chosen by the student from the list of courses approved for the Women’s and Gender Studies major.