A Premiere Programin WGSS!
Why Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies?
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) examines the intersections of identity, social power, and privilege as they relate to gender issues. Concerned with how societies construct inequality and social bias, WGSS analyzes the various dimensions of life through a critical lens in order to better understand the diverse world we live in. With cross-listed courses in anthropology, communications, government, history, psychology, sociology, women’s health and more, students can approach WGSS from almost any direction.
The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science degree, both of which can be combined with other disciplines for a multiple major. The WGSS major emphasizes the development of critical and analytical skills, creative approaches to problem-solving, and the ability to articulate productive socio-political alternatives. WGSS also offers two undergraduate minors, one in Women’s Studies and one in Sexuality and Gender Studies. The curriculum focuses on feminist analyses of women’s lives, women’s social, cultural, and scientific contributions, and the structure of sex/gender systems. WGSS students learn about the diversity of gendered experience throughout history and across cultures.
The Competitive Advantage
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies students have a competitive edge in today’s job market, as employers are increasingly interested in successfully building diverse teams and serving diverse customers. WGSS teaches students how to develop creative approaches to problem-solving and to negotiate diverse perspectives and priorities. Moreover, the WGSS curriculum helps students to hone precisely the professional qualities that today’s employers are looking for, including effective verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team, leadership skills, a strong work ethic, analytical thinking skills, and flexibility and adaptability to a variety of situations. In a 2019 study, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) ranked these characteristics as among the most desirable for professionals. Our majors also have a distinct professional advantage due to the interdisciplinary nature of WGSS that enables students to succeed in a wide range of careers.