Gender Studies
Gender Studies takes gender and sexuality to be key categories of social analysis, opening up deeper understandings of how we live and how we might live differently.
Gender Studies
Gender Studies as a field of study emerged from a long history of feminist struggle. It unpacks how gender and sexuality interact with socio-cultural, economic, and political phenomena. It also explores the intersections of gender with race, class, religion, (dis)ability, nationality, and other social categories.
Our students have opportunities to study the ties between theory and practice, participate in community-engaged research, undertake internships, and lead social change. Graduates work in various fields, including law, health, social work, non-profit organizations, private business, the arts, and education, and also pursue advanced graduate study.
Gender Studies Degrees
The division of Gender Studies offers a major (B.S. and B.A.), one emphasis, and a minor.Gender Studies offers space for the study of a wide range of feminist thought and practice. The curriculum provides theoretical tools, community-engaged learning, advocacy experience, lively debate, and professional skill-building.
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Gender Studies B.A./B.S.
36 Credits
Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary major that examines gender and sexuality in social, political, cultural, and economic contexts.
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Queer Studies Emphasis
12 Credits
The Queer Studies emphasis centers the ways that LGBTQ people have been represented, and have represented themselves, in a variety of fields including history, politics, media, literature, the arts, and sciences.
degree requirements check your progress
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Gender Studies Minor
21 Credits
Like the major, the Gender Studies minor focuses on interactions of gender with race, class, sexual orientation, and nationality. Your coursework covers topics such as gender theory, feminist thought and practices, queer and sexuality studies, and community engagement.
degree requirements check your progress
Students who pursue a major in Gender Studies are required to participate in a Signature Experience before they graduate. Students can choose among several options and pursue the path that is right for them.
Signature Experience options include:
- Dive deep into questions that excite you. Work alongside a faculty mentor to create original scholarship and acquire key analytical and communication skills. https://research.humanities.utah.edu/student-research-support.php
- Connect your academic training to the workplace. Gain hands-on experience, build your network, and apply your knowledge in real-world settings. https://humanities.utah.edu/internships/index.php
- Community Engagement. Use your expertise to create positive change. Partner with local organizations, tackle pressing social issues, or develop solutions that benefit your community.
- Teaching Assistantship. Share your knowledge with others. Collaborate with a faculty member to develop teaching techniques and support other students as they learn. (Only available for Gender Studies majors).
Gender Studies Graduate Certificate
The division of Gender Studies offers a graduate certificate.The Gender Studies graduate certificate program provides a space for interdisciplinary engagement in gender and sexuality studies. The program provides support for your own research while expanding your teaching portfolio and preparing you for a diverse job market. The Gender Studies Graduate Certificate is an academic credential designed to complement any graduate degree.
Curious about how to address issues of difference in research, work, and life but don't have any knowledge about gender studies? Don't worry, the certificate does not require prior courses in feminist theory or gender studies and serves students across all master's and doctoral degree programs.
The certificate:
- Provides interdisciplinary knowledge in feminist, gender, race, sexuality, and disability studies taught by faculty who are experts in the field
- Exposes students to historical debates and cutting-edge shifts in feminist theory and feminist methodology
- Supports integration of course content into student research and performance theses or dissertations
- Enhances any graduate degree or career path
- Complements and boosts the profile of any graduate degree