Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies

Combining academics and experiential learning, gender, sexuality & women's studies (GSWS) students critically examine and challenge structural inequalities around gender and sexuality, in interaction with race, class, ethnicity and ability. On the academic side, you are acquainted with current scholarship on women, feminist, trans, queer and sexuality studies. On the experiential side, you have opportunities to engage in activism and are encouraged to undertake your own research projects. You will question norms, work with peers to create community action projects and gain insight into identities in and through a web of relations to others, both globally and locally.

Paths of Study

What Makes Us Different

Interdisciplinary Major

GSWS courses complement other fields. Students regularly complete a second major or a minor to broaden their studies.
Challenge Inequities

Various campus initiatives look at transnational and local issues through diversity awareness and community engagement.
Student Awards

Individuals, groups and campus organizations are recognized annually for feminist activist work and a commitment to the ideals of the GSWS program.

Rankings

^Top 10

Best Public Schools for Making an Impact

The Princeton Review 2024
^Top 20

Most Politically Active Students

The Princeton Review 2025

Applied Learning

Courses

Study Gender in Society (GSWS 304), Women in Antiquity (GSWS 315), Gender and Digital Culture (GSWS 349) and Feminist Theory (GSWS 405).*
Research

Complete independent research or collaborate with faculty on projects including the LGBTIQ Project and the Stephens Project.
Student Organizations

Join student groups such as Vox, E.S.S.E.N.C.E., Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), Winged Nation and Lambda Alliance and learn how they help the community.
Mosaic House

Apply to live in this co-curricular, co-educational residential house with a focus on culture, diversity, interracial community and sexuality.

Outcomes

Recent graduates have pursued careers in law, government, social work, environmental activism, education, medicine, counseling and journalism as well as graduate programs in queer and feminist studies, literature, performance studies and media and film.

Talk to Us

Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.