Gender Studies

Overview

Gender studies programs focus on gender issues in history, politics, and cultural life.

Gender studies programs include topics such as:

Feminist theory
Race and social class
Gay and lesbian issues
Women's movements
Philosophy
Political science
Public policy

Many colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in gender studies. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments. In gender studies it may be history, art, sociology, and economics.

Concentrations

In gender studies, students may be able to specialize in:

Women's studies
Gay and lesbian studies

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in gender studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in gender studies. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in gender studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers to Consider

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced English Composition courses
Advanced Literature courses
Advanced U.S. History courses
Anthropology
Economics
Psychology
Sociology

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Communication, Gender, and Society
History of American Women's Movements
Independent Study
Introduction to Women's History
Issues in Women's Health
Sociology of Women
Psychology of Women
Women of Color
Women's Literature

In addition, students take elective courses from different fields. For example, if you want to study diseases that affect only women, you could take a class about the biology of women.

Graduate Program Courses

Although some schools offer graduate degrees in women's studies, most offer certificates that you combine with graduate study in another area.

Graduate certificates in women's studies typically include:

Required courses
Completion of a paper about a topic related to women's studies

Things to Know

Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Gender studies programs usually offer, and sometimes require, internships or work on community service projects related to gender issues.