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Women's and Gender StudiesMajor

Don’t let the name mislead you. Women’s and Gender Studies is not just about women, nor is it about male-bashing or gender wars. Rather, our courses cover a broad range of subjects with sensitivity to gender, race, sexual orientation and class.

Overview

What is Women's and Gender Studies at WVU like?

Description

Do you want to help others in your local community or even around the world? Are you dreaming of medical or law school? Women’s and Gender Studies is a major that can prepare you for a multitude of careers. As many of our students say, "Studying in this major is like finding a home in a school of thousands."

Our close-knit department allows you to receive a specialized education and hands-on learning opportunities. We prepare you with the analytical skills and knowledge needed to understand the contributions, perspectives, experiences and status of both women and men in society. You'll get a well-rounded education suitable for a wide variety of careers.

Women’s and Gender Studies students are prominent campus advocates with a strong presence in the University and local community. Through campus events and student organizations, such as fireside chats, the Gender Equality Movement and honor society Iota Iota Iota, our program is committed to preparing the community and workplace leaders of the future.

Women's and Gender Studies program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Women's and Gender Studies at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

Students enrolled in WGST 170 (Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies) participate in a women’s and gender studies research fair each semester.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Women's and Gender Studies major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Women's and Gender Studies at WVU?

WGST 150:
Women in Movies

Through viewing popular Hollywood films, we will analyze femininity across the life span. Critical thinking and cultural analysis will be practiced as we study heroines, working girls, motherhood, brides, cheerleaders, and old women on screen.

WGST 170:
Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies

The major contexts in which gender identities have been and are defined and of the relationships between these definitions and the roles and history of women and men in society and culture.

WGST 225:
Women in Appalachia

Use variety of sources to explore how race, class, ethnicity, sex and gender impact lives of diverse Appalachian women, including portrayal of women, stereotypes, impact of stereotypes, and how women construct their own identities.

WGST 260:
Perspectives on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, religion

Overview of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer studies. Examines the construction of gender, biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, expression and performance related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and two-spirit identities. Also examines intersections with race, ethnicity, class, nation, culture, ability, and

WGST 330:
Feminist Theory

Explores current feminist theory through works by diverse scholars, focusing on questions of essentialism, difference, sexuality, bodies, language, power, economic and ecological justice, intersections of race, class and gender, and global social justice struggles.

WGST 448:
Sexuality in American Culture

Explores changes in sexuality in the United States from the seventeenth century to the present, examining social and cultural struggles and debates over the meaning of sexuality and sexual orientation in American society.

WGST 449:
Women's Movements Since 1960

Comparison of U.S. "Second wave" and "Third Wave" feminisms; validity of the concepts of "waves" of feminism; and impact of race, class, sexual orientation, on perspectives on women's status.

WGST 450:
Sex and Science at the Movies

Explores how bodies, sexuality, and other gendered traits are used in films to demonstrate techno-science's societal impacts. Examines the relationship between media representations and techno-scientific practice.

WGST 460:
Men and Masculinities

An advanced seminar in women's and gender studies that critically examines the concept of masculinity and its impact on men's and women's lives. Analyzes masculinities from cultural, historical, biological, philosophical, sociological, psychological, economic, and political perspectives.

Cost and Aid

How much does Women's and Gender Studies at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Women's and Gender Studies at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Women's and Gender Studies major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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Request Information

Want to know more about Women's and Gender Studies at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

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