Justice Through an Intersectional Lens
A Criminology degree provides a strong foundation in crime, law, policing, courts, and corrections. A major or minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) complements that foundation by examining how gender, race, sexuality, class, disability, and other identities shape experiences with the legal system.
Whether you’re interested in law, victim advocacy, public policy, restorative justice, community outreach, or criminal justice reform, WGSS helps you think critically about justice while developing the communication, research, and leadership skills needed to create meaningful change.
Why Add WGSS?
Students in WGSS learn to examine justice beyond laws and institutions by exploring the people and systems they affect. Through interdisciplinary coursework, you’ll strengthen your ability to analyze complex social issues, understand diverse lived experiences, and approach justice with empathy, evidence, and purpose.
You’ll build skills in:
- Critical analysis of justice systems
- Research and evidence-based analysis
- Trauma-informed and ethical decision-making
- Communication and advocacy
- Cultural competency and intersectional thinking
- Leadership and community engagement
These skills are valued across legal, public service, nonprofit, advocacy, and criminal justice professions.
See Where WGSS Can Take You
Law and Public Policy
Examine how gender, race, sexuality, disability, and inequality shape laws, public policy, and legal systems. Explore feminist legal theory, restorative justice, and policy approaches that promote more equitable outcomes.
Criminal Justice Reform
Critically examine policing, incarceration, surveillance, and punishment while exploring how systemic inequality influences criminalization, victimization, and access to justice.
Victim Advocacy
Develop trauma-informed approaches to supporting survivors of violence, abuse, harassment, trafficking, and discrimination while strengthening communication, advocacy, and crisis response skills.
Youth and Community Engagement
Learn how community organizations, schools, crisis centers, and restorative justice initiatives work to prevent violence, support healing, and strengthen communities.
Research
Apply interdisciplinary research methods to issues such as violence prevention, public policy, media representation, incarceration, and social inequality while working alongside faculty mentors.
Public Service
Prepare to serve communities through careers focused on advocacy, justice, equity, and systems change while strengthening your leadership, communication, and ethical decision-making skills.
Opportunities Through WGSS
Students apply what they learn both inside and outside the classroom through opportunities such as:
- Research with faculty mentors
- Independent studies
- Community-engaged learning
- Internships with legal aid organizations, victim advocacy agencies, nonprofits, and government offices
- Leadership through student organizations and advocacy initiatives
PSYCH 479
Psychology of Gender
Explore psychological research on how gender shapes identity, relationships, development, and behavior across the lifespan. Students examine topics such as gender stereotypes, socialization, intersectionality, sexuality, and the influence of culture and social systems on psychological experiences.
Continue Exploring
Interested in seeing where a WGSS major or minor can take you?
Explore career pathways, student stories, internships, research opportunities, and examples of how WGSS prepares students to make an impact across a wide range of professions.