About This Program
Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary field that includes the study of:
- the experiences, conditions, and social realities of women of different races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, classes, abilities, and sexual orientations in a global context;
- the ways in which gender distinctions and the construction and intersection of gender, sexuality, race, and class have affected human lives, and
- feminist scholarship.
Academically, the program seeks to provide you with a solid background in knowledge about gender, sexuality, race, class, and international issues; feminist analysis; critical thinking; and oral and written communication; and actively engage you in the generation of new knowledge and areas of inquiry. The program aims to prepare you for meaningful participation and contribution in an inclusive and diverse society, to be local, national, and global citizens, and to participate effectively and contribute meaningfully in a diverse workplace. Finally, the program intends to provide a nurturing environment for the whole person to help you find your own strengths, gifts, and path, as well as to raise awareness about the way that path concerns and connects with others in local and global contexts.
Program Highlights
- The program is very personalized. Faculty get to know you and commit to ensuring you attain your full capabilities and potential while at UMD
- Courses are very interactive. All classes are student centered and you learn through exploration and discovery
- We have multitalented faculty with diverse origins and research interests. Some of the research interests are Women’s rights, LGBTQI issues, racial justice, health issues, food, grassroots activism, media analysis, and global issues
Research & Experiential Learning
We are social justice and social transformation focused with a strong history of collaborating with community organizations. There are many opportunities to organize, to intern, and to effect social change.
Student Internships
- Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse (CASDA)
- Duluth Public Schools ISD 709
- Pro-Choice Minnesota
- Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)
Potential Careers
- Human services departments and nonprofit organizations
- Advocate for victims of domestic and/or sexual violence
- Communications consultant
- Congressional aide
- Law (prepares one for law school)
- Midwife, sexual assault nurse, or other health related fields
- United Nations
- Unicef
- AMREF
- Equity and diversity specialist in schools, universities, hospitals, corporations
- Politics
Scholarships
CAHSS is proud to be able to offer over 90 alumni and donor funded scholarships to our students each year. Each department facilitates the process for their specific scholarships and students are also encouraged to apply for CAHSS-wide scholarships offered to students in any field.
There are two WGSS specific scholarships available:
- $500 Jane Maddy Scholarship is awarded to two WGSS students each year
- $1000 WGSS Legacy Scholarship is awarded to one WGSS student each year
Get Involved
- FCU (Feminist Consciousness United) is a student run organization at UMD
- The Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) is available to all students
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.
Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies B.A.