Major in Women's and Gender Studies*
An integrated approach to understanding social and cultural constructions of gender from several scholarly perspectives.
As a Women's and Gender Studies major, you will be prepared to become a leader in the diverse and ever-changing workplaces and communities of the world. Providing an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the social and cultural constructions of gender that shape the experiences of women and men in society, Women's and Gender studies offers a companion major, complimenting any field of chosen study.
Whatever your career goals may be, pursuing a major in Women's and Gender Studies can provide you with a unique edge over your peers in today's competitive job market. Our students have pursued primary majors in disciplines such as Anthropology, Biology, Communication, English, Finance, History, Management, Marketing, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
In addition to educating in the classroom, the program provides opportunities for civic engagement through internships and diverse co-curricular programming and events. A minor is also available in Women's and Gender Studies.
*Companion or second major only.
Visit the Women's and Gender Studies website 
Major Requirements
12 courses, of which at least 8 must be upper-division, fulfilling the following categories of requirements. Courses for the companion major may also count for the primary major and/or Core requirements. Courses may not be counted in more than one required category within the major.
1. Disciplinary Requirements
- WGST 101: Feminist Theory OR ENGL 125: Feminist Literary Theory and Criticism
- WGST 102/COMM 111G: Feminist Methods
- WGST 190: Senior Seminar. Offered every year during the winter quarter.
- WGST 197: Capstone Project. Student completes a capstone project EITHER in their primary major under the direction of a member of the WGST teaching faculty and with the approval of the WGST Program Director, OR under the direction of the WGST Program Director. All WGST majors take WGST 197, which meets monthly, during the quarter(s) in which they are working on their capstones.
2. Breadth Requirements
At least one course from EACH of the following five categories:
- Race/Ethnicity in the U.S.
- Transnational/Global
- Sexuality
- Religious Studies
- Elective
3. Emphasis
Three courses. Student designs an emphasis in consultation with the Program Director:
- Option 1. Emphasis in student's primary major
- Option 2. Thematic emphasis (e.g., transnational studies, sexuality studies)
- Option 3. Emphasis in a traditional discipline outside student's primary major
4. Co-Curricular Requirement
Majors must attend two events per year that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the WGST Program. For each event, a 1-2 page reflective analysis (not a summary) of the event is required, due in the WGST Program office within a week of the event.
