Women's Studies Bachelor of Arts Degree
Women's Studies focuses on gender, diversity, multicultural learning, critical thinking, leadership development, advocacy for women and community issues, and the integration of feminism into life choices. Students engage in community service through involvement in local organizations and advocacy programs, and participate in a range of activities such as art exhibits, theater performances, films, conferences, and seminars. The benefits of a Women's Studies degree include strong critical thinking and analytical skills developed in a student-centered environment that encourages independent thought; the experience of applying what students learn in the classroom to the world beyond through internships and service learning; and insights into questions of gender, diversity, and power central to any workplace. Graduates of Women's Studies find successful careers in a range of fields including the arts, business, education, health care, media, politics and law, social work, psychology, and sports.
12 Credit Hours of core requirements:
- WS201G Introduction to Women's Studies (3 credits)
OR
WS202G Representing Women Across Cultures (3 credits) - WS451 Projects Based Seminar (3 credits)*
- WS455 Feminist Research Methods (3 credits)^
- WS471 Seminar in Feminist Theory (3 credits)*
6 Credit Hours of electives from the following:
- WS325 Topics in Feminist Philosophy (3 credits)
- WS450 Special Topics (3 credits)
- WS454 Women Crossing Borders (3 credits)
- WS461 Women's Studies: Independent Study (Graded) (3 credits)
- WS465 Sex, Gender and the Body Across Disciplines (3 credits)*
18 credit hours of electives from the approved list of cross-listed courses.
Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for a complete course list.
*=Offered each Fall semester
^=Offered each Spring semester
Students, be sure to declare majors in Women's Studies. It is important for Women's Studies to be counted!
Undergraduate Minor in Women's Studies
The undergraduate minor in Women's Studies consists of six approved courses in Women's Studies of which at least 5 are upper division (300 level or above).
Required courses include the following (18 credit hours):
2 Required Courses from the Following (6 credit hours total):
- WS201G Introduction to Women's Studies (3 credits)
Or
WS202G Representing Women Across Cultures (3 credits) - WS451 Women's Studies Practicum (Projects-Based Seminar) (3 credits)*
Or
WS461 Women's Studies Independent Study (3 credits)
Or
WS471 Seminar in Feminist Theory (3 credits)*
And 3 electives from the following (9 credit hours total):
- WS455 Feminist Research Methods (3 credits)^
- WS450 Special Topics (3 credits)
- WS454 Women Crossing Borders (3 credits)
- WS465 Sex, Gender and the Body Across Disciplines (3 credits)*
*=Offered each Fall Semester
^=Offered each Spring Semester
And 1 upper division elective (3 credit hours) from the approved cross-listed courses, total of 3 credit hours: See the Undergraduate Catalog for the list of approved cross-listed courses.
