Women's and Gender Studies, BA
Are you fascinated by the systems of gender that define society? Are you passionate about creating a more equitable world?
In our interdisciplinary major, you will approach the experiences of women and the study of gender identity from multiple perspectives. You can take courses from different departments—Art, Theology & Religion, History, English, etc.—but concentrate on women and gender.
What unifies the classes is that you will be challenged to critique societal norms and explore new ways of thinking about sex and gender, taking into account race, ethnicity, disability, and other social categories across history and geography.
Graduates from our program have gone on to success in the traditional liberal arts as well as careers in business, medicine, and law. Whatever you choose to do, your broad knowledge base, along with your communication and critical thinking skills, will be a vital asset to our ever-evolving world.
Learn more about the program
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their academic specialties. Or explore on-campus opportunities and an array of internship possibilities.
Curriculum
Earn an Women’s and Gender Studies, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!
What can you do with a degree in Women’s and Gender Studies?
A degree in Women’s and Gender Studies provides students with a strong foundation in analyzing gender, power, intersectionality, critical assessment, and the capacity to work with diverse populations and take into account multiple perspectives. Such skills are applicable to work in a myriad of roles in the private sector, human resources, law, education, health, communications, government, public policy, and the nonprofit sector. Some examples of what our students have done include, but are not limited to, the following:
DEI Program Manager
Design, deliver, and evaluate organization-wide inclusion initiatives, using data and stakeholder feedback to improve climate and outcomes, including the recruitment of a diverse workforce.
Public Policy / Legislative Analyst / Government Agencies
Research how policies affect women and LGBTQ+ communities, draft briefs and recommendations, brief decision-makers on equity impacts, and implement policies with equity in mind.
Health Care Patient Advocate
Navigate care systems with clients, ensure trauma-informed and culturally responsive treatment, and alert institutional leaders about the obstacles diverse populations might encounter in the provision of services.
Social Services Case Manager
Coordinate resources across housing, employment, and mental health, being sensitive and taking into account gender and other economic inequities.
Nonprofit Program Manager / Grant Writer
Build and assess community programs that advance gender justice, empower women and marginalized populations, and secure funding with evidence-based proposals and impact reports.
Educator / Student Affairs Professional
Develop curricula, workshops, and campus programs on consent, bias, and identity, and advise students through an equity lens. Formulate plans and organize fund-raising activities as necessary.
Communications / Advocacy Specialist
Craft campaigns, op-eds, and digital content that shift narratives on gender and intersectional justice and mobilize public engagement.
Human Resources
Analyze, review, assess, investigate cases of complaint, recruit personnel, and develop policies that comply with institutional policies regarding inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Saint Mary's Testimonials
“I am currently in my second semester of nursing school and loving every second. I just finished my rotation in obstetrics, when I had the opportunity to observe a few births and take care of patients during a beautiful and vulnerable stage of life. Despite the physiological and pharmacological focus, I find myself constantly thinking about my WaGS degree, allowing the perspective I gained from SMC to shape the way I promote kind, approachable, and quality care. I am very grateful for the foundation set throughout my undergrad experience. Looking forward to the start of my Master's in Women’s Health next year. WaGS has been so pivotal in my growth, both professionally and personally. I am forever grateful for the lens and foundation it has given me.”
Maria Tuite, Class of 2017
