undergraduate
Women's studies
Best schools with women's studies
What is a women's studies major?
Women's studies focuses on the history, sociology, politics, culture, and economics of women, and the development of modern feminism in relation to the roles played by women in different periods and locations in North America and the world. Programs may focus on literature, philosophy, and the arts as much as on social studies and policy.
of students said a highlight of this major was the exposure to diverse perspectives.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said limited career opportunities were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do women's studies majors make?
This data isn't currently reported, but we're working on it!
How popular is women's studies as a major?
Each year, around 2,070 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 100 students obtain an associate degree in women's studies. In 2021, 1,917 students received a bachelor's degree and 269 students received an associate degree. This is 4% more women's studies majors than there were in 2020. Women's studies is a relatively popular major compared to other interdisciplinary studies majors.
Advice from women's studies majors
Share your experienceStep out of your comfort and don't be afraid of being challenged. There is so much to learn and studying gender is so complex but stay open minded. Use your personal experiences to guide your learning.
This major will give you so much information and diverse perspectives for any field!! Highly recommend you get to know your professors and TAs - they have done some amazing things and are always willing to help. Some of my best classes were my WGST classes!!
To someone pursing a Women Studies major or Gender and Women Studies major, my advice would be: indulge yourself in what you are learning. The subjects discussed are complex and hearty. The knowledge from this degree is so meaningful and you become equipped with so many social and political attributes. There are so many career options resulted this major and can make a difference in anything you do.
I believe that the most difficult aspect of the Women's and Gender Studies program is the fact that everything your learning about is constantly changing with the context of our society and even an individual's positionality. All in all, my greatest advice would be to take it one step at a time and truly build your understanding from the ground up.
I would say the best advice is to take WGS Studies along with another major - especially those that are different in content matter.
