Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

The Minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies enhances any undergraduate major by integrating a working knowledge of gender issues with the student's field(s) of study. Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies employs gender as an analytical category, along with race, class, ethnicity, ability, age, nationality, and transnationality, to focus on women's contributions to society and the gender implications of cultural, political, and economic processes. Curricular areas of emphasis include feminist theories and methodologies; social justice and activism; LGBTQIA2+ studies; and women's histories, literatures, visual cultures, and politics.

In addition to the minor, WGSS also offers a Queer Studies concentration. The concentration is an informal option for students wanting to enhance their understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2+) issues or whose undergraduate curriculum or professional goals would be enriched by additional coursework in this emerging vibrant field. The concentration focuses on LGBTQIA2+ histories, political movements, aesthetics, arts, cultures, literatures, scholarship, contemporary experiences, and social formations. Students who complete the sequence can apply their knowledge to positions in education, government, nonprofit organizations, activism, journalism, law, public policy, social services, health services, and careers in the humanities and fine arts.

Why Study Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies?

Application Information

Minors can only be declared by current Illinois State students. Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Application Period

Applications for the Women's and Gender Studies minor are always being accepted. 

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