Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies

Wayne State's major in gender, sexuality and women's studies (GSW) prepares students to think critically about feminism, gender and sexuality while growing as informed advocates for equity and social justice. Graduates will develop skills in analysis, research, writing and communication by studying issues with real-world relevance and stakes. You'll also have the chance to participate in an active feminist and queer community, on campus and beyond.

Students can either major, co-major or minor in gender, sexuality and women's studies and often combine GSW with another major or minor. For instance, a major in social work or psychology might choose to minor in GSW as they look forward to a career working in women's issues. Pre-law students take a major in GSW as they prepare to take up the cause of breaking down institutionalized gender discrimination.

In whatever way you see yourself changing the world, your work in gender, sexuality and women's studies will provide you with the theoretical underpinnings and context to help you build a successful path.

Why Wayne State's gender, sexuality and women's studies major?

Gender, sexuality and women's studies program requirements and curriculum

The GSW degree requires students to satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences group requirements, the university general education requirements and the overall GSW program requirements.

Courses

As a gender, sexuality and women's studies major, you engage in subjects such as history, anthropology, philosophy and more.

Your learning incorporates the following topics:

• The family in history
• Gender and crime
• Diversity, oppression and social justice
• Black women in America
• LGBTQ health

Explore gender, sexuality and women’s studies courses

Honors program

The Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies with honors curriculum challenges highly motivated students through their outstanding scholastic achievement and develops interest in research and scholarly activity by providing students with an opportunity to work with faculty members. Additional coursework is required to graduate with honors.

View honors requirements

Senior project seminar

For the senior project seminar, students must identify a faculty advisor with whom they will work to produce a significant research paper on a particular aspect of gender, sexuality and women's studies.

Students must contact the director, Simone Chess, with the name of a faculty mentor and a topic before being allowed to register for GSW 5990: Senior Project Seminar (four credits).