Women and Gender Studies

  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
  • Minor

Women and gender studies (WGS) is an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the gendered aspects of human experience. In addition to women's studies, there is a substantial body of scholarship in men, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies. The confluence of these areas of study make up what is commonly referred to as gender studies.

Program Offerings at Grand Valley

Students who major in women and gender studies may chose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Majors complete 30 credits. A minor is also available. Students who minor in WGS complete 21 credits. Visit www.gvsu.edu/wgs for more information.

Coursework

Students can study a variety of topics, including:

  • Applied feminist activism
  • Language and gender
  • Feminist theories
  • Global feminisms
  • Masculinity studies
  • LGBTQ studies
  • Community and social change

Career Options

Graduates work for a variety of entities, including:

  • Health care
  • Law, politics, and lobbying
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Teaching and administration
  • Government and global nongovernmental agencies

Why Study Women and Gender Studies at Grand Valley?

  • Our program encourages students to develop interdisciplinary understandings and to take full advantage of cross-cultural opportunities at GVSU.
  • Students in WGS benefit from study abroad opportunities as well as individual research.
  • WGS students participate in co-curricular activities with GVSU's Women's Center, LGBT Resource Center, and Office of Multicultural Affairs.
  • Faculty members actively engage with students and foster commitment to the community through internships, service learning, and volunteering.

For More Information

Women and Gender Studies Program
(616) 331-8058
Admissions Office
www.gvsu.edu/admissions

“GVSU's women and gender studies program was a pivotal part of my education as a university student and as a global citizen. As a student I wrote a short story without the use of gendered pronouns, interned for a feminist foundation, participated in the United Nations 53rd Commission on the Status of Women, and studied abroad in Egypt.”

ANNE MARIE CARSON
WGS ALUMNA

“Concepts and theories from classes help me to better connect with people and the uniqueness of being a male with a WGS minor has helped me stick out in the job market!”

DUANE CUNNINGHAM
WGS ALUMNUS

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