Department of Women's and Gender Studies
262-472-1042
Women's and Gender Studies is a vibrant interdisciplinary field of study that explores how and why gender matters in the pursuit of knowledge and social justice. Informed by the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, Women’s and Gender Studies courses address a wide range of social problems, issues, and contexts at the intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality and more. In doing so, the field examines the connections among individual experiences and roles and social institutions related to everyone's lives. Students in Women's and Gender Studies courses develop key critical thinking and writing skills as well as theoretical and practical knowledge applicable to a wide range of personal, civic, and employment contexts. Students learn within a flexible curriculum that provides them opportunities to shape their education and experiences in the field. The department stresses advising, community building, and mentoring, working to provide engaging and meaningful classroom experiences.
The 33- credit major and 21-credit minor offered by this department are valuable assets in many areas of employment including business, education, law, health, social work, communications, counseling, research, non-profit and philanthropy work, and many more. Internships, undergraduate research, and enriching co-curricular activities are available.
The Women’s and Gender Studies department also offers three vibrant certificates, including a Women’s and Gender Studies, LGBTQ Studies, and Diversity Leadership Certificates, that offer high demand training in diversity and inclusion work.
Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate
The Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate provides students an opportunity to explore how and why gender matters in the pursuit of knowledge and social justice. Emphasizing intersectional, cross-cultural, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary perspectives, students have the flexibility to choose among 40+ courses to meet their own personal, civic, and professional interests and goals. This certificate is a valuable additional credential for students entering many areas of employment including business, education, law, health, social work, communication, counseling, policy-making, professional writing, non-profit work and more.
Diversity Leadership Certificate
The Diversity Leadership Certificate is designed to allow students across the disciplines to engage in in-depth diversity learning around issues of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and ability. Geared towards building responsible citizens and reflective professionals, the program provides students an opportunity to further enhance their knowledge and understanding, develop facilitation skills, and engage in productive collaborations across differences.
LGBTQ Studies Certificate
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies Certificate offers students the opportunity to study topics of sexuality and gender identity from a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives across the humanities and social sciences. Emphasizing intersectional and cross-cultural analysis, advocacy work, and theory, the 12-credit LGBTQ Studies Certificate provides students with knowledge and skills applicable to a wide range of personal and professional contexts.