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.