Undergraduate Programs
The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies undergraduate program offers students an opportunity to explore feminism as a transnational intersectional project. Students develop academic skills such as critical thinking, writing, and analysis. They also connect with feminist communities in the city of Cincinnati and beyond, and gain a diverse and adaptable toolkit for joining the workforce post graduation.
WGSS students can expect small classes with engaging faculty whose work opens doors to new and exciting worlds. The curriculum explores interdisciplinary, transnational perspectives on how different systems of oppression—like racism, sexism, homophobia, colonialism, and economic inequality—intersect and shape the communities we live in. Graduates leave with a deep understanding of systemic inequalities and practical tools to make meaningful changes in their personal, social, and professional lives.
Outside of the classroom, our program thrives on connection and collaboration. Whether through student-led discussion forums, faculty research showcases, or visiting scholar presentations, there is always something to spark inspiration. We invite students to find their place in our living feminist department and explore how the WGSS Major, WGSS Minor, or LGBTQ Studies Certificate can help them create their feminist future and transform the world.
Graduates of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies programs bring valuable skills to a wide array of fields. What makes a WGSS degree unique is its versatility – it prepares students for a variety of career opportunities and graduate programs, allowing students to create a feminist future driven by their passions and purpose. Whether you want to create documentaries for feminist social change develop policies that support reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, or work directly in healthcare, a WGSS degree can support your career path while providing you with an expansive and transformative education.
In the workforce, WGSS graduates are well-prepared for rewarding careers that leverage their skills in research and analysis, organizing, strategy development, creativity, writing, community building, and advocacy. In recent years, our graduates have pursued careers in student affairs including at women’s and LGBTQ+ centers, law, reproductive rights advocacy, healthcare, therapy, and union organizing.
For those pursuing graduate education, a WGSS background equips students to succeed in various disciplines, including law, public health, higher education, social work, and public administration. Whether studying humanities or pursuing a research career in social science, the interdisciplinary skills fostered in a WGSS program instill the critical thinking and informed analysis skills that advanced degree programs value.
By choosing a career path aligned with their values, WGSS graduates build futures that are as fulfilling as they are impactful, paving the way for personal success and societal transformation.
The LGBTQ+ Studies Certificate offers students an opportunity to study the histories, cultures, experiences, and politics related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities. Students learn to think critically about normative structures, challenge inequalities, and promote inclusion while fostering a deeper understanding of diverse sexualities and gender identities across time and cultures. This certificate enhances any course of study for a diverse and inclusive academic experience.
The certificate is open to undergraduate and graduate students and community members interested in expanding their knowledge about queer politics and culture. To earn the certificate, students must complete 5 courses, including 1 free elective. Explore the LGBTQ+ certificate.
Undergraduate students who want to speak with an adviser can contact the undergraduate director, Carolyn Peterson, at Carolyn.Peterson@uc.edu.