Career outlook
What can I do with a degree in gender, sexuality and women's studies
Gender and sexuality studies (GSW) is a field of study that allows students to move in a variety of career directions based upon their interests. The social-justice focus of our degree program enables students to think about how to best channel their efforts and advocacy. For those looking to change the world on a systemic level, GSW serves as a solid pre-law major.
GSW enables pre-med students with a more rounded profile to escape the sea of applicants and provides the social constructs for those looking to specialize in areas of medicine pertinent to women or gendered issues. For those looking to change the world on a more personal level, GSW students look toward careers in psychology or social work. Some are drawn more deeply into the explosive academic and political dynamics inherent in the construction of gender and sexuality and look forward to advanced academic degrees.
Transferable skills
A degree in gender, sexuality, and women's studies offers skills in:
Research
- How to locate resources that will inform the topic at hand
- Understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources
- Weighing the importance and validity of internet resources
Critical thinking
- What are the social, political, and economic repercussions surrounding privilege?
- Identifying the arguments being made or rebutted in the literature
- Identifying the perspectives and biases of the writers
- Weighing your own perspective
- Understanding where your research fits into the discussions in the field
Strong writing
- Clarity in communication
- To change the world, you must be able to explain the research, the inequities, and communicate to others the urgency of the issues
Graduate study
This degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in:
- Law school
- Medical school
- Counseling (L.P.C.) or psychology
- Sociology
- Social work
Career insights
A degree in gender, sexuality and women's studies can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are just a few of the many opportunities available in this field.
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialist | $79,000 |
| Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) specialist | $67,000 |
| Equal opportunity representatives and officers | $74,000 |
| Historian | $62,000 |
| Human rights advoccate | $49,000 |
| Social and community service manager | $77,000 |
| Social science research assistants | $52,000 |
| Sociologist | $63,000 |
This data provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.