Gender Studies Degrees generally focus on gender identity, sexual orientation, and similar topics, and how they can shape or change behaviors, feelings, power dynamics, domestic violence and more. They tend to be interdisciplinary fields. Although it got its start as “Women’s Studies,” the degree programs have definitely branched out in recent years.
If you’re looking over possible majors that you can focus on in college, you may have come across “Gender Studies” or similar topics. So now that you know what is a gender studies degree is, what can you do with a Genders Studies degree?
What Can You Expect from Your Classes in Gender Studies?
Gender Studies programs can include Men’s studies, Queer studies, and Women’s studies, or a mix. Students in these courses can expect to learn about domestic violence, sex-based discrimination, harassment, privilege, oppression, mental health, politics, potential and known solutions. You’ll study everything from literature to theory to psychology.
These courses are designed to help you question yourself and reflect on the type of person you want to be. The conversations that happen in the classroom can lead to challenging gender norm, more empathy, creativity, and a better understanding of the world.
What Can You Do with a Gender Studies Degree?
There are plenty of things that students interested in this field can do with a Gender Studies degree!
Many students go on to work in advocacy organizations and non-profits that specialize in domestic violence, shelters, resources, and more for various groups including men, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
If you wish to continue your education, you can also use your undergraduate degree to open a number of doors to graduate degrees. Students go on to become social workers, lawyers, doctors, and therapists.
Other job opportunities included
- Health clinic coordinator
- College professor
- Journalist
- Archivist
- Artist
- Filmmaker
- Research consultants
- Teacher
- Social service agencies
- Student services
- Diversity officer
- Criminal justice
Thanks to the good base this study gives you and the wide variety of information you’ll take in during your four years of study, the list can actually be endless!
Schools With Top Gender Studies Programs
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in Gender Studies, you may want to consider attending one of these colleges, which are among the top ranked for their particular programs.
- New York University
- University of California – Berkeley
- University of California – Santa Barbara
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of California – Los Angeles
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- University of Chicago
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
For a full list of schools that offer gender studies degrees, and for the major requirements that accompany the degree, click here.
