Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Degree
Bachelor of Arts, Minor
Program Type:
Major, Minor
Career Path:
Humanities
Program Site:
College or School:
Why study Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies?
Relatively new but undeniably fearless, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) examines political, social and biological issues of femininity and masculinity.
- WGSS majors have gone on to successful careers as attorneys, teachers, doctors, financial professionals, therapists, community nonprofit leaders et al.
- The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies department contributes to the work of 10 interdisciplinary minors.
The WGSS degree is offered as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a minor.
What classes would I take?
Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.
Sample courses that you may take as a WGSS student include:
100-200 level*
- Feminist Leadership Project
- Perspectives in Gender and Sexuality
- Introduction to Sexuality Studies
- Studies in Gender and Literature
- Race and Ethnic Diversity in America
300+ level*
- When Black Women Clap Back
- Gender, Power and Violence
- Film Lab in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- The Feminist Book Society
- Sexual Politics in the United States
* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.
What kind of experience will I gain?
Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies (WGS) students learn theoretical approaches about feminism, masculinity, gender, sex, and sexuality in local, national and global contexts. Through their coursework, WGS students have extensive opportunities to hone their analytical, communication, and research skills.
In addition to curricular pursuits, WGS faculty, staff and students have a rich history of engagement in the intellectual, social, and extracurricular life of the Wake Forest campus and of the broader community. The WGS department offers students internship opportunities, promotes service learning and activism on behalf of women’s and gay/lesbian rights, and strives for a non-gender-biased, open-minded society.
Students in this program will develop the following skills:
- Writing
- Project planning
- Interviewing
- Gathering and organizing data
- Understanding of diversity
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Ability to summarize information
Are there extracurricular activities?
Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our WGSS students participate in the following programs:
- Wake Women Lead
- LGBTQ Center
- Girl Up United Nations Foundation
- Women’s Center
- Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition
What kind of job can I get?
Careers that often interest WGSS majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:
- Attorney
- Community Center/Nonprofit Manager
- Counselor
- Diversity Trainer
- Editor
- Employer Trainer
- Human Relations Specialist
- Human Rights Advocate
- Journalist
- Labor Relations Advisor
- Lobbyist
- Policy Advocate
- Professor
- Public Health Service Officer
- Public Relations Professional
- Social Worker
Graduates have gone on to careers in education, the law and other sectors.
Related Programs

Majors & Minors
Choose from more than 50 majors and over 60 minors to find your perfect fit.

Life at Wake
Take a moment to explore all the student experiences that make Wake Forest unique.

Virtual Tour
Can’t make it for a visit? No problem! Let us show you around campus virtually.

Keep in Touch
Let us know you’re interested in Wake Forest and we’ll do the rest.

Visit Campus
You truly can’t appreciate the beauty of our campus until you experience it for yourself.

Apply
Want to be considered for our next class of Demon Deacons? Here’s how to get started.