Gender and Women's Studies
Gender and Women's Studies helps students understand gender through different perspectives. This program looks at how gender has been shaped by history, society, and culture, and how it connects with other differences like race and class. Students engage in classes, internships, research, and community projects to develop critical thinking skills. They learn to recognize and challenge systems of inequality and work towards social justice around the world.
Careers in Gender and Women's Studies
Gender and Women's Studies prepares students for careers in human services, the media, community organizing, and education, among many possibilities.
- Anti-Violence Direct Services and Policy
- Community Organizing and Advocacy
- Healthcare and Health Education
- Family Therapy
- Consultant
- Legal Services
Potential Salary
Median Salary $58,000
Gender and Women's Studies Degrees at MSU
Gender and Women's Studies, Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender and Women's Studies fosters a deeper comprehension of how gender, race, and sexuality relate to intersecting systems of difference, power, and inequality. Students will gain transferable skills in communication, research, writing, and critical thinking. This major emphasizes activism, social justice, advocacy, and collective change both nationally and globally.
Gender and Women's Studies, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Gender and Women’s Studies fosters a deeper comprehension of how gender, race, and sexuality relate to intersecting systems of difference, power, and inequality. The BS is designed for students who seek hands-on experience in the field while developing transferable career skills. This major emphasizes activism, social justice, advocacy, and collective change both nationally and globally.
Gender and Women's Studies, Minor
The Gender and Women's Studies minor can be completed efficiently alongside a wide variety of majors, enhancing an understanding of gender for those seeking degrees including psychology, health sciences, social work, teaching, and criminal justice. This minor emphasizes activism, social justice, advocacy, and collective change both nationally and globally.
Gender and Women's Studies, Master of Arts
The MA in GWS focuses on the intersections between feminist theory and activism, both nationally and transnationally. The MA is recommended for students planning to pursue further graduate study beyond the master's degree as well as those seeking careers in student services, teaching, nonprofits, activism, and advocacy.
Gender and Women's Studies, Master of Science
The MS in GWS focuses on the intersections between feminist theory and activism, both nationally and transnationally. The MS is recommended for students planning careers in social justice, student services, non-profits, activism, and advocacy, or for further graduate study.
Gender and Women's Studies, Graduate Certificate
The Gender and Women's Studies graduate certificate is available to anyone who wishes to learn more about GWS, including students currently pursuing a graduate degree at Minnesota State, Mankato and working professionals. The certificate offers students the opportunity to evaluate numerous feminist theories of social justice, synthesize social change strategies, enhance oral and written communication, and analyze GWS as a movement and a discipline.
Gender and Women's Studies, Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender and Women's Studies fosters a deeper comprehension of how gender, race, and sexuality relate to intersecting systems of difference, power, and inequality. Students will gain transferable skills in communication, research, writing, and critical thinking. This major emphasizes activism, social justice, advocacy, and collective change both nationally and globally.
Gender and Women's Studies, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Gender and Women’s Studies fosters a deeper comprehension of how gender, race, and sexuality relate to intersecting systems of difference, power, and inequality. The BS is designed for students who seek hands-on experience in the field while developing transferable career skills. This major emphasizes activism, social justice, advocacy, and collective change both nationally and globally.
Gender and Women's Studies, Minor
The Gender and Women's Studies minor can be completed efficiently alongside a wide variety of majors, enhancing an understanding of gender for those seeking degrees including psychology, health sciences, social work, teaching, and criminal justice. This minor emphasizes activism, social justice, advocacy, and collective change both nationally and globally.
Gender and Women's Studies, Master of Arts
The MA in GWS focuses on the intersections between feminist theory and activism, both nationally and transnationally. The MA is recommended for students planning to pursue further graduate study beyond the master's degree as well as those seeking careers in student services, teaching, nonprofits, activism, and advocacy.
Gender and Women's Studies, Master of Science
The MS in GWS focuses on the intersections between feminist theory and activism, both nationally and transnationally. The MS is recommended for students planning careers in social justice, student services, non-profits, activism, and advocacy, or for further graduate study.
Gender and Women's Studies, Graduate Certificate
The Gender and Women's Studies graduate certificate is available to anyone who wishes to learn more about GWS, including students currently pursuing a graduate degree at Minnesota State, Mankato and working professionals. The certificate offers students the opportunity to evaluate numerous feminist theories of social justice, synthesize social change strategies, enhance oral and written communication, and analyze GWS as a movement and a discipline.
Accelerated Combined Degree (BA/BS and MA/MS)
Students interested in receiving both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in GWS, may apply to the Department for admission into the Combined Degree Program. Interested majors may apply upon the completion of 60 credits if they have a minimum GPA of 3.0. If accepted, students will work with an advisor to design an accelerated program in which up to 12 credits of 500-level courses can be applied to both their undergraduate and graduate programs. If accepted, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and a 3.0 in the major the to continue in the program. Interested students should contact the Department for more information.
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Department of Gender and Women's Studies
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences