WGS Program Overview
The study of women has been part of the GVSU curriculum since 1973 when courses were taught in the College of Arts and Sciences and in William James College. The minor in Women's Studies was approved in 1986 and the first Women's Studies minor graduated in 1988. In 1997, the program was significantly expanded to include the study of gender. Women and Gender Studies became a major in 2006. In fall of 2013, a new minor in LGBTQ Studies was launched. With the study of sexuality added to curriculum, the program name was changed to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) in 2015. The WGS Department is housed in the Brooks School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Complete The WGS Minor Online
The WGS minor is now available in completely asynchronous, online format!
Students complete a minimum of 21 credits.
The minor pairs well with majors such as: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public and Nonprofit Administration, and Legal Studies.
The minor can help prepare students for careers in: health care, non-profits, government, law, higher education, business, journalism, and human services work with youth and adults.
Alumni and Friends of WGS
Campus Events
ENS Winter 2026 Sustainability Showcase (March 30 - April 4)
April 4, 2026 All Day
You're invited to learn about the research projects, innovative designs, and assessments that students in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) Program have been working on this semester. Starting...
LGBTQ Foundations, Level V: Let's Talk About it, A Guided Community Dialogue
April 7, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This facilitated discussion space is for faculty, staff, and students who have attended at least one LGBTQ Foundations session and want to go deeper, not through slides, but through shared conversation....
Dr. Keivan G. Stassun: Student Scholars Day Keynote Speaker (INT 100/201 approved)
April 7, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Dr. Keivan G. Stassun, Stevenson Professor of Astrophysics and Director of the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University. The Neurodiversity Revolution: Tapping the Human...
Tabling in Kirkhof Center on Student Scholars Day: Opportunities for Summer Internships and Post-Graduation Work and Service
April 8, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Come join us on the 30th Annual Student Scholars Day in the Kirkhof Center Lobby to explore opportunities for summer internships and post-graduation work and service. Tabling in the main Kirkhof Center...
Equity and Sustainability
April 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
This introductory workshop will explore the deep connections between equity and sustainability. Social equity relates to the distribution of resources - clean and healthy waters, air, natural spaces,...
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As part of our commitment to sustainability, WGS decided to highlight Chica Bean Coffee which empowers women through economic, educational, and practical support. Chica Bean coffee is produced and roasted by women using eco-friendly practices in rural Guatemala. Their practices allow them to deliver amazing coffee while the producers are paid just prices that benefit the entire community. Check out more about Chica Bean here!
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Continuing with our commitment to sustainability, we are also highlighting GentleDaisySoapCo which is a local, women-owned business. GentleDaisySoapCo produces handmade soaps, candles, and more. Check out more about GentleDaisySoapCo here!