What is Gender Studies?  GS classes explore femininity and masculinity as well as the influence of race, sex, culture, and class on gender, politics, institutions, and human interaction.

Isn’t Gender Studies just for women?  Although this field originally researched women’s roles and contributions to society, over the past decade it has expanded to study men’s roles at home, at work, and in society;  the construction of gender and masculinity; and the impact of race, class, psychology and biology on men in the 21st century.

Why should I take Gender Studies courses?  GS courses develop social and political insights and multidisciplinary perspectives that enhance your major; offer opportunities for personal expression and interaction; teach you to work collaboratively;  provide analytical tools to increase personal and global awareness; and improve self reflection, cultural critique, and social activism.  In sum, GS courses improve your marketability—at no extra cost.

What does Gender Studies offer that other departments don’t?  Over 2 dozen scholarships and awards, accessible faculty, individualized mentoring and advising, networking opportunities, multiple internships, interdisciplinary courses, and the opportunity to design your own major.

What’s the difference between a certificate and a major?  Graduate and undergraduate certificates require 18 hours of course work; a GS major allows you to create your own 36-hour interdisciplinary major, drawing from classes across the university to prepare you for the job you want.

What courses can I take?  GS courses may be selected from any area of the curriculum.

How will they count?  GS courses simultaneously count toward a departmental major and a graduate or undergraduate certificate—or they can add up to an individualized, interdisciplinary major.