Minor in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
The interdisciplinary minor in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies introduces students to methods for identifying and critiquing the impact of hierarchies based on gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, nationality, and other social groupings. WGS courses explore gender and sexuality using tools drawn from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. In consultation with the directors of undergraduate studies, students develop a minor that is suited to their fields of interest and that enhances their understanding of their major and other academic disciplines.
If you declared the minor prior to July 1, 2025: Students must complete six courses in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies with a grade of C or better. Introductory course WS 101 is taught by a team of three instructors including a humanist, scientist, and social scientist. WS 101 lays the interdisciplinary foundation for the topics-focused WS courses. Students must take two additional core WS courses, and three additional elective courses can be selected from among the relevant courses in a student’s major or offerings in other disciplines. There are a variety of courses ranging across 10+ departments or programs that provide credit toward the Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies minor. See the minor requirements page for the full list of both core and elective WS courses.
If you declared the minor on or after July 1, 2025: Students must complete six courses in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies with a grade of C or better. Introductory course WS 101 is taught by a team of three instructors including a humanist, scientist, and social scientist. WS 101 lays the interdisciplinary foundation for the topics-focused WS courses. Students must also take one WGS theory course, and four additional elective courses can be selected from among the relevant courses in a student’s major or offerings in other disciplines. There are a variety of courses ranging across 10+ departments or programs that provide credit toward the Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies minor. See the minor requirements page for the full list of WGS theory courses and WGS elective courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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