Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Major
Advocate. Collaborate. Liberate. Social justice for social change.
GSWS – Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies Major
Offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Major
Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies (GSWS) is a dynamic, inter- and multi-disciplinary program drawing from the social sciences, humanities, arts, and sciences. Students cultivate a critical perspective addressing the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, Indigeneity, class, disability, and embodiment.
We provide students with the conceptual tools to explore and understand our world through an intersectional framework and encourage students to make connections between macro-social structures and individual lives. GSWS majors engage in social justice activism by developing their skills with advocacy, community building, and theory-informed praxis.
A BA or BS in GSWS prepares students for a variety of professional fields such as media, education, health, social services, art, policy, law, and government.
Degree Fit
Program Preparation
Students committed to understanding intersectional inequities in our diverse world, who want to develop their collaborative and leadership skills, and those interested in social justice will find their learning home in GSWS.
Degree Roadmap
While completing a BA/BS in GSWS, students have the flexibility to specialize in particular areas of study and take courses across a variety of fields, including Art History, Communication, Economics, English, Native American Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology & Anthropology. All students come out with a core set of collaborative, leadership, and social change skills.
Capstone and Degree Integration
GSWS majors complete a year-long capstone that broadens and deepens their leadership, communication, activist, and research skills. Students develop a project and portfolio tailored to their post-graduation goals in consultation with GSWS faculty, successfully setting them up for the next stage of their careers or graduate school.
Guided Pathways
Contact: Kylan Mattias de Vries – 541.552.6759 – devriesk@sou.edu
Associate Degree Paths
Rogue Community College: AA Oregon Transfer, Sociology/Social Work
Umpqua Community College: AA Oregon Transfer, Sociology
Similar Majors
Similar Minors & Certificates
Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, Minor – Certificate in Transgender Studies – Certificate in Ethnic & Racial Studies
Similar Micro-Credentials
Credit for Prior Learning – Learn More
Career Opportunities & Outlook
Section Contents: GSWS Programs
*The Ethnic & Racial Studies Minor degree is housed within the ERS program website.
Contact the GSWS Program
SOU Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6759
– Questions About GSWS? –