Women’s and Gender Studies, Minor
Program Overview:
The Women's and Gender Studies minor provides an interdisciplinary exploration of gender, sexuality, identity, and social justice from historical, cultural, political, and global perspectives. Through coursework across the humanities and social sciences, students examine the ways gender shapes individual experiences and societal institutions while developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills. The minor complements a wide range of majors and prepares students to engage thoughtfully with issues of equity, inclusion, and social change in diverse professional and community settings.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Apply the methodologies of multiple disciplines to the research & analysis of topics that defy traditional disciplinary boundaries.
PLO 2: Engage in intersectional thinking to identify connections between environmental concerns, gender, race, class and nationality.
PLO 3: Use the city as a platform for identifying researching & analyzing complex inter-, intra-, and cross-disciplinary topics of historical & contemporary significances.
PLO 4: Describe the historical struggles of women and LGBTQIA+ people for independence and equality around the world.
PLO 5: Engage in critical thinking, discussion, and writing about women, gender, and sexuality as they are reflected in different disciplines.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
WGS-2001 | Introduction to Gender Studies | 3 |
COM-2030 | Women in Film and Studio | 3 |
HS-1403 | Women’s Health Issues | 3 |
HIS-3315 | Women in the Twentieth Century World | 3 |
PHI-3312 | Gender and Philosophy | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
• Explores gender, sexuality, identity, and social justice through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in the humanities and social sciences.
• Examines the historical, cultural, philosophical, and health-related dimensions of women's and gender issues in local and global contexts.
• Investigates the representation of women and gender in media, film, history, and contemporary society.
• Analyzes the social, political, and ethical factors that shape gender roles, equity, and inclusion.
• Develops critical thinking, research, communication, and analytical skills through the study of diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
• Complements a wide range of majors by preparing students to engage thoughtfully with issues of diversity, equity, advocacy, and social change in professional and community settings.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A Women's and Gender Studies minor complements majors across the humanities, social sciences, business, education, healthcare, communications, and public policy by developing critical thinking, cultural competence, and an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Graduates are well prepared to work in professions that value advocacy, leadership, and social responsibility.
Potential career paths include:
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator
• Human Resources Specialist
• Social Services or Community Outreach Professional
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Public Policy or Legislative Assistant
• Victim Advocacy or Crisis Services Professional
• Public Health Educator
• Healthcare or Patient Services Coordinator
• Communications or Public Relations Specialist
• Education or Student Affairs Professional
• Grant Writer or Development Associate
• Community Engagement Coordinator
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist
• Graduate Study in Women's and Gender Studies, Social Work, Public Health, Public Policy, Law, Education, Sociology, or Counseling
The minor strengthens communication, research, intercultural competence, and ethical decision-making skills, preparing graduates to contribute to inclusive workplaces and communities across a wide range of professions.