View gender through new perspectives.
Major in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at the University of Mary Washington and you’ll explore a breadth of gendered experiences, complicated as they are by race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and class. Craft an interdisciplinary course of study to test your assumptions about our similarities and differences. Internships, research projects and opportunities for study abroad prepare you for graduate school or a career that makes a difference right away.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in general liberal arts and studies.
Areas of Study
Our 33 affiliated faculty members with expertise in nine separate disciplines will introduce a breadth of gendered experiences. Professors in such fields as art, Spanish literature, history, political science, sociology, and psychology will support you as you identify your interests and craft your major. In the classroom, they will challenge your assumptions about our similarities and differences and lead you to reflect on the concerns that sex and gender create in society. You will design a capstone project with faculty guidance, and you may do up to two faculty-supervised independent studies.
Career Opportunities
Because you will craft your courses from across disciplines, you can leave prepared to pursue higher education or work in such fields as law, nonprofit advocacy, teaching, health care, social work, journalism, public relations, and more.
Internships
Majors have completed internships at local agencies and national organizations. You will craft an internship that will reflect your area of interest and course concentration.
Learn more about how to earn honors in this major at the honors program section of the undergraduate catalog.
The major requires 33 credits from across disciplines. Its advisory board – made up of faculty from the departments of political science; sociology and anthropology; art and art history; and English, linguistics, and communication – encourages the majors to work with faculty advisors to formulate their coursework around issues or themes that interest the students. The foundation courses are women’s studies and feminism. Other requirements include a methods course, approved electives, an internship, and a student-designed capstone course.
None specific to this major, but UMW offers many scholarships.