women and gender studies students

Women and Gender Studies Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Examine issues of sex, gender, social inequality and power dynamics, and prepare to launch a fulfilling career in any profession.

In a changing world, an understanding of the complex issues around gender and power is more relevant than ever. A degree in Women and Gender Studies from UND helps you stand out and empowers you to reach your goals and make a difference.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120 (major), 20 (minor)

Why study women and gender studies?

Women and Gender Studies at the University of North Dakota is a program that examines the complex interaction of gender with other elements of human difference, including race, class, religion, ethnicity, age, ability and nationality. Topics of study include:

  • The politics of sexuality
  • Gender and pop culture
  • Women's achievements and their contributions to history and the contemporary world
  • The performance of femininity and masculinity
  • Power dynamics and the effects on the body
  • LGBTQ+ identity and experience
  • The influence of gender in the shaping of personal identity, the family and public institutions

Drawing from a broad range of allied disciplines, you'll customize your studies to meet your academic goals.

Women and Gender Studies Degree at UND

  • Complete a culminating work of research in your chosen area of interest.

  • Learn more about gender issues through our film series and guest lectures.

  • Meet important thinkers in the field through the Red River Women's Studies Conference, which UND has hosted every 2 -3 years for more than a decade.

  • Get involved with social justice groups on campus.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What to do with a women's and gender studies degree?

92K

Median annual salary for sociologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Sociologists

12%

Projected job growth for health educators and community health workers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Health Educators

Your B.A. in Women and Gender Studies sets you up for success in any profession you choose, because you'll have the skills that employers value — like critical thinking and analysis, research, communication, and presentation. You'll also have a deep understanding of marginalized communities, giving you valuable insights and perspectives.

Women and Gender Studies graduates go on to a variety of fields, including:

  • Social work
  • Human rights and victim advocacy
  • Higher education
  • Counseling and psychology
  • Law, including sexual/civil rights law
  • Public health
  • Medicine, nursing and midwifery
  • Nonprofit/NGO administration
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurship and business
  • Journalism and digital media production
  • Community activism

Women and Gender Studies Courses

WGS 200. Introduction to Gender Studies. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary introduction to the processes by which gender is socially constructed, in relation to sex and sexuality. This course will provide the tools to analyze the complex intersections of gender with other categories like race, ability, class, and religion and understand how they affect the circulation of power. Students will reflect on their identity and experiences, and how these concepts shape our lives and our world. This class will engage with pressing social issues and influential cultural representations, norms, practices, and institutions. F,S,SS.

WGS 225. The Study of Women. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the study of women as subjects of scholarly inquiry, with emphasis on transnational feminism and assessments of women's contributions around the globe. The course will provide an interdisciplinary focus on the central issues and questions posed by the new scholarship on women, and introduce students to the perspectives and methodologies of a variety of disciplines. F,S,SS.

WGS 480. Feminist Theory. 3 Credits.

Feminist theory examines the foundations of American feminism from enlightenment liberal to postmodern and standpoint theories. The course first develops then critiques these fundamental approaches. Opportunities are provided to integrate mainstream and marginal experiences of feminist theory and its practice. Prerequisites: WGS 200 or WGS 225. On demand.

HIST 333. Women in Modern America. 3 Credits.

How did women experience and shape American history and the United States as we know it today? This course explores the social, political, and economic lives of American women from diverse cultural backgrounds from the rise of the "New Woman" in the late 19th century to the present. Using gender, race, class, and culture as analytical lenses reveals the struggles and victories of women, as well as their individual and collective influence on the broader society. S, even years.

SOC 340. Sociology of Gender. 3 Credits.

This course is a sociological exploration of how gender dynamics have changed across time and vary globally. How gender creates barriers and opportunities - for both men and women - across multiple facets of social life is emphasized. S.

ENGL 357. Women Writers and Readers. 3 Credits.

Literature by and about women, examining the social, historical, and aesthetic significance of the works. Repeatable when topics vary. Repeatable to 21.00 credits. On demand.

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Explore More Options

Looking to connect with the college or find a similar degree?

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.