Understanding People Through an Intersectional Lens
A Psychology degree helps students understand how people think, feel, and behave. 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 human behavior, relationships, health, and well-being.
Whether you’re interested in counseling, clinical psychology, research, health care, human resources, public policy, or organizational leadership, WGSS helps you better understand the social and cultural factors that influence people’s experiences while developing the communication, research, and leadership skills needed to make a meaningful impact.
Why Add WGSS?
Psychology often focuses on individual behavior and development. WGSS expands that perspective by exploring how identity, culture, institutions, and systems influence the way people experience the world. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students learn to connect psychological research with real-world issues such as health disparities, gender-based violence, workplace equity, LGBTQ+ experiences, family dynamics, and community well-being.
Students strengthen skills in:
- Critical thinking and evidence-based analysis
- Cultural competency and perspective-taking
- Research and ethical decision-making
- Communication and advocacy
- Leadership and collaboration
- Applied problem-solving
These skills are valued across psychology, health care, education, nonprofit organizations, business, and public service.
See Where WGSS Can Take You
Counseling and Clinical Practice
Study trauma-informed care, gender-affirming practices, family and relationship dynamics, and approaches that support the mental health and well-being of diverse individuals and communities.
Health Care
Examine health disparities, reproductive health, and patient advocacy while preparing to promote equitable and culturally responsive care.
Research
Explore how identity, relationships, and social environments influence behavior while developing qualitative and interdisciplinary research skills that complement traditional psychological methods.
Business and Organizational Leadership
Apply psychological and gender perspectives to workplace culture, human resources, organizational leadership, marketing, and inclusive decision-making.
Law and Public Policy
Understand how psychology, identity, and social systems influence public policy, human rights, and advocacy while preparing to address issues of equity and justice.
Neuroscience and Human Development
Explore how biological, psychological, and social factors work together to shape brain development, behavior, and well-being across the lifespan.
Opportunities Through WGSS
Students apply what they learn beyond the classroom through opportunities such as:
- Research with interdisciplinary faculty mentors
- Independent studies
- Internships with advocacy organizations, nonprofit agencies, and community partners
- Education abroad experiences
- Leadership through TRIOTA and other student organizations
- Community-engaged learning
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.