Explore the dynamic interplay of gender, race, ethnicity and social class.
The Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies is one of the first and leading programs in the country devoted to the study of gender and sexuality. All undergraduate majors complete an internship and senior capstone course — part of our commitment to connecting writing and critical thinking skills to community-based social justice practice. The Feminist Studies Ph.D. program has a research-intensive social science emphasis unique in women studies. Consistent with our interdisciplinary focus, our faculty conduct scholarship across a wide range of areas in the humanities and social sciences.
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Careers
Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies alumnx have pursued careers in academia, politics, law, medicine, public health, museology, research and social policy. In keeping with our commitment to social justice, alumnx also volunteer in crucial organizations such as women’s health clinics, drop-in centers for lesbian and gay youth, and domestic violence shelters.
Career Paths
A Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies degree can lead to a career as a(n):
- Advocacy trainer
- Community organizer
- Mental health counselor
- Health care professional
- Historian
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Educator
- Program coordinator
- Public policy consultant
- Social services researcher
- Social worker
- Women’s health advocate
Girl in a Coma oral history interview. Photo by Scott Macklin.
Making scenes and building communities
The Womxn Who Rock Community Research Project brings together musicians, media-makers, artists, scholars and activists to explore the role of women and popular music in the formation of social justice movements. Started in 2010, the project is an ongoing collaboration among UW faculty, graduate students, community members, and worldwide scholars of gender, race and sexuality.
Find Yourself in Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies
Analyze society from the perspective of gender and sexuality. Apply what you learn to support positive social change.
Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies Stories
Learning Hard Truths Through Internships
Sana Shetty, interested in human rights law, has a more nuanced understanding of potential careers thanks to internships.
At the Intersection of STEM and Feminism
With a double major in computer science and gender, women & sexuality studies, Simona Liao is lifting women in STEM in the U.S. and China.
The Power of Cohorts & Collective Histories
Kemi Adeyemi, Jasmine Mahmoud, and Nikki Yeboah first met as PhD students in Chicago. Now they pursue scholarship in support of Black arts as UW faculty.