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
LOCATION TBD Inclusive Leadership: From Identity to Action (2-Part Series)
May 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This two-part session explores how identity, leadership, and equity intersect. Participants examine the influence of social identity and implicit bias on leadership and reflect on the traits of shared...
GVSU Cornhole Tournament 2026
May 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us for the 6th Annual GVSU Cornhole Tournament! Registration is free — just pick a teammate and a team name. All GVSU faculty, staff, and students are eligible to participate. The first...
Interfaith Dimensions of Campus Inclusion
May 21, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
In recent decades, our nation has experienced a surge in religious diversification, including increased immigration by religious minorities such as Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, as well as...
LGBTQ Foundations, Level V: Let's Talk About it, A Guided Community Dialogue
June 2, 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....
Student Scholars Day 2027
April 14, 2027 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) and the Student Scholars Day Faculty Planning Committee are thrilled to welcome you to the...
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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!