Women’s and Gender Studies offers an interdisciplinary program that examines the diverse experiences of women in the U.S. and globally, both past and present. Many courses in the program also critically examine the meanings of gender as a culturally constructed category of identity. The core courses and wide range of electives explore the intersections of gender, race, class, ethnicity, and sexuality, as well as the social and cultural institutions that shape women’s and men’s lives. Courses in WST investigate previously neglected materials, and apply new methodological, critical, and theoretical approaches in order to analyze and explain the role and status of women in society, and the impact of gendered practices within societies and cultures.
Our undergraduate WST minor is designed to provide you with basic groundwork in the field of Women’s and Gender Studies; you will gain a combination of skills that can be used in diverse fields and across disciplines. You will gain an increased understanding of human diversity, especially gender diversity, that will help prepare you for our continuously changing global society. Through required coursework, research, electives in your own area of interest, internships, extracurricular activities, and leadership and service opportunities, you will gain knowledge and experience that will complement and enhance your major field of study.
Students with multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies experience will have an advantage as potential employees, since employers will increasingly seek applicants with knowledge of both gender issues and cultural diversity. The Women’s and Gender Studies minor will help prepare you to work with a wide variety of people and anticipate their changing needs. Graduates of the Women’s and Gender Studies minor find opportunities in business administration and management, advertising, health fields, education, journalism, criminology, social work, counseling, psychology, politics, law, and international affairs.