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.

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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:

* 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.

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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.

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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

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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.