Women’s Studies, which is also known as Women & Gender Studies, explores what it means to be a woman through using the tools of history, economics, science, health, art and other disciplines to study to the lives and women and explore important social questions. In this major, be prepared to ask questions like: how do gender roles influence our experiences as a female or male, how do gender roles in different countries compare with each other, and how have gender roles changed throughout history?
This field of study is relatively new, making it an exciting choice for learning. Many women’s studies programs have few required courses. This means that students are free to develop their own focus by choosing which courses, in women’s studies and other departments, to take. This really allows students to personalize their experience and target it toward the fields and careers they’d like to work in.
Education
Typical major courses include biological basis of sex differences, feminism, state and public policy, feminist theory, gender and society, introduction to sexual minorities, introduction to women’s studies, women in literature and women’s history.
While still in high school it might help to take AP Psychology, AP English Literature, AP Human Geography, Sociology and AP U.S. History. These courses will help with the range of social issues you’ll encounter as well as giving you a good basis and practice of analyzing complex texts and applying it to history.
What to know before you apply
It helps to be interested in issues surrounding women and gender and to be passionate about social justice issues. In this field, you may come up against a lot of resistance from others outside the department, so it helps to be secure in your own beliefs, values and decisions.
Questions to ask before deciding
Prospective students thinking about this major should ask themselves if they are ready to work to improve the lives of women, do a lot of reading, writing and research and make connections between their personal lives and the topics they are studying. Students will look at literature, art and film and analyze it from a feminist perspective and from there will question their assumptions about gender and sexuality.
Career Prospects
Women’s studies majors can apply their degree to a multitude of careers. Some include, but are not limited to, working in legal firms, politics, research and writing. Many often go on to a doctoral level and become professors or coordinators within colleges and universities.
