Major in Gender and Women’s Studies

Gender and Women’s Studies is an interdisciplinary field, meaning what you learn in these classes can be applied to any future career of your choosing. GWS majors learn how to apply a critical lens in fields like health and public policy, social justice and advocacy, reproductive justice, non-profit administration, clinical medicine, software development, communications, media production, and more.

Skills Learned in the GWS Major:

• Applying Frameworks of Intersectionality: (You value, respect, and learn from the diverse experiences of people of various gender, class, racial, sexual, religious, and other identities; you apply an equity and justice framework to work effectively across differences.)
• Team Building & Collaborating: (You build collaborative relationships with colleagues, peers, community members, and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. You are able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and navigate differing points of view and life experiences.)
• Creative & Analytical Thinking (You draw on intellectual approaches from Biology, Humanities, Social Science, and Feminist Theory to draw conclusions and develop new and creative arguments about human experience and social, political, and cultural issues; you apply knowledge, skills and responsibilities to new settings and complex problems.)
• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving (You exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues around Race/Ethnicity, Globalization, Sexuality, and Disability & Embodiment; you make decisions and demonstrate originality, inventiveness, intentionality, and care in finding solutions to problems.)
• Speaking & Writing for Various Purposes and Audiences (You identify the audience, advance complex ideas using appropriate and inclusive style, and marshal evidence to present and justify arguments and convey meaning in thoughtful and respectful ways. You present and respond to ideas skillfully, with attention to different audiences, contexts, perspectives, and purposes; you recognize language can be a tool of inclusivity and intentionally adapt your communication terminology, style, and approach based on its evolution.)
• Work Ethic (You apply principles of ethical and professional conduct through active involvement with diverse communities and real-world challenges, demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, and act responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind.)

1. Schedule an advising appointment through Starfish to discuss how the GWS major fits with your other academic interests.
2. Browse the spring 2025 course list with the approaches and issue areas for the GWS major included.
3. Use the planning grid as you think about how to complete the 10 courses for the GWS major.