The minor in WGS offers an excellent inter- and multi-disciplinary curriculum that examines women, girls and gender throughout history and across cultures. WGS courses teach critical thinking through an examination of the historical and contemporary problems facing women locally, nationally and globally. Students expand their understanding of gender difference, cultural diversity and social change as they complete an 18-hour program of study from among a wide variety of classes in numerous fields and disciplines. WGS courses in history, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, English, religion, political science, law and other areas enable students to pursue a specialized focus which enhances their major in the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences. The minor also provides sufficient flexibility to allow for the creation of a course of study especially suited to the individual interests of students.

Requirements for the Minor

A minor in Women’s and Gender Studies requires 18 credits. Nine credits must be in upper division courses (that is, 300 and 400) and no more than nine credits may overlap with your major. Reading courses on selected topics may be arranged with individual faculty members.

Required courses (6 hours):

WGS 201: Introduction to Women's & Gender Studies

WGS 301: Introduction to Feminist Theory

The remaining 12 hours must be evenly split between the social sciences and humanities and chosen from an approved list of courses.  A list of approved courses is published every semester.

Students are encouraged to take WGS 484: Women's & Gender Studies Internship and the Critical Issues in Women's & Gender Studies cluster course (offered through the departments of English and Sociology).