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Women's and Gender Studies

B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies

Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program that explores how gender (along with race, class, sexuality, and other categories of difference) shapes societies, historically and in the present. When you major or minor in WGS, you will choose courses from fifteen departments across campus – from the social sciences and humanities to STEM and the arts. You will explore how sex and gender affect people at the individual and group levels, the social problems and injustices that need addressing, and ways that we can achieve equality for everyone. WGS graduates from SUNY Potsdam are prepared to use their critical thinking and oral and written communication skills to pursue a wide variety of occupations. Many students find that Women’s and Gender Studies is an excellent second major that prepares you to stand out in the job market by bringing your gender expertise to your chosen career field.

If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Anna Sorensen at sorensam@potsdam.edu.

Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • identify central contemporary/historical issues in gender studies.
  • use feminist concepts and theories to analyze the intersections of identities (e.g., gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, disability) within the context of unequal social and political power structures.
  • apply the methods of feminist knowledge production to explore relevant feminist topics.
  • engage in feminist praxis, connecting theory and practice, to promote social justice and human rights.

Career Outlook

Employment in some fields related to Women’s and Gender Studies is projected to grow by 7 to 8 percent over the next 10 years.

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"Women and Gender Studies has brought me a lot of joy and knowledge in the time that I have been here at SUNY Potsdam. I declared WGS as a major two weeks into my first class with Professor Doran and I have not regretted it. This major is very valuable, and the department is filled with very kind and approachable people. If you are thinking about choosing another major, I would 100% recommend this one."

Madeline Santana '23 Women and Gender Studies Major