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Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary program that brings together diverse research, insights, and experiences to help you explore women’s issues and the complexities of gender and sexuality.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Women Gender and Sexuality StudiesSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a women, gender, and sexuality studies degree?
A women, gender, and sexuality studies degree empowers you to explore the intersections of gender, identity, and society. In the program, you will examine how gender and sexuality shape cultures, politics, and individual experiences, all while learning from an interdisciplinary blend of history, sociology, literature, and more.
Why should you major in women, gender, and sexuality studies at Redlands?
Majoring in women, gender, and sexuality studies at Redlands equips you to understand gender roles, identity, and sexuality in society while encouraging fresh perspectives on these issues. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge through hands-on projects and community engagement. The degree equips you with the critical thinking skills to challenge norms, advocate for equality, and make an impact in fields like education, activism, policy, or social work. The skills and knowledge you gain are valuable across many fields, preparing you for careers in law, social work, counseling, medicine, education, business, government, and graduate study.
Classes you'll take
To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Completion requirement
Foundation
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
- WGS145 - Gender, Sexuality, and Power in Global Contexts
- WGS150 - Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- WGS153 - Queer Culture and Identity in the 20th Century
- WGS155 - Latinas Remaking America
- PLCY220 - Comparative Feminisms
Select First Year Seminars taught by WGS faculty or other courses approved by the Director may be substituted.
Theory course
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
- WGS337 - Working Sex: Interdisciplinary Studies
- WGS340 - Contemporary Feminist Theory
- WGS341 - Gender & Nation
- WGS359 - Queer Theories
- ARTH323 - Gender and Sexuality in Renaissance Art
- ECON240 - Economics of Race, Class and Gender
- ENGL351 - Postcolonial, Global & Transnational Literatures
- ENGL403
- HIST326 - Primary Witness in Women's History
- PHIL310 - Philosophy of Sex and Gender
- POLI317 - Feminist Political Theory
- PSYC320 - Psychology of Gender
- REST351 - Race Theory
- SOAN320 - Self in Society
- SOAN321 - Gender and Emotion
- SOAN329 - Anthropology of Mothering
- SOAN345 - Interrogating Masculinity
Other courses approved by the Director may be substituted.
Activism course
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
- WGS135 - Activism Lab
- WGS230 - Feminist Community Engagement
- WGS180 - Exploratory Internship
- WGS280 - Exploratory Internship
- WGS380 - Specialized Internship
- WGS480 - Specialized Internship
- BUS410 - Organizational Consulting
Other courses approved by the Director may be substituted.
Electives will be selected from WGS and WGS cross-listed courses in consultation with a majoring student’s WGS advisor. Electives will help WGS majors explore their own learning goals and map out a course of study toward those goals. Majoring students will work closely with their advisors to develop an individualized plan reflective of their particular interdisciplinary interests.
Earn at least 20 credits from the following:
WGS - All courses
WGS Electives
WGS majors will complete an internship to prepare themselves for careers and to make a positive impact on their communities and society. Internships can also be student-initiated and negotiated with the director.
The following internships are available each Fall and Spring semester and include:
- WGS 180.01 Partners Against Violence (2-4). Training to become a volunteer advocate for Partners Against Violence, formerly San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services. Credit may also be earned for volunteer work as an advocate after training.
- WGS 180.02 Option House (2–4). Training to become a volunteer for Option House, an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence. Credit may also be earned for volunteer work as an advocate after training.
- WGS 180.03 Gender Justice Center (2–4). Specific focus negotiated with student facilitators of the Gender Justice Center and the Director of the Center.
- WGS 180.04 Pride Center (2–4). Specific focus negotiated with student facilitators of the Pride Center and the Director of the Center.
- WGS 180.05 Planned Parenthood (2-4). Volunteer services will be negotiated with Planned Parenthood. Activities may also include work with Planned Parenthood Generation Action on campus.
- WGS 180.06 Open Door: Sexual Exploitation Survivor Support. (2-4) Volunteer services will be negotiated with Open Door.
- WGS 180.07 Social Justice Conference Organizing. Students work closely with the REST and WGS Directors to organize the annual Social Justice Student conference.
- WGS 180.08 Student proposed (2-4).
Students may shape the minor to enhance their major program and can do so in consultation with the director or other members of the Faculty Advisory Committee.
Core interdisciplinary course
Complete at least 1 courses in the following course sets:
- WGS 100-level
Electives
Earn at least 16 credits from the following:
- WGS - All courses
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
You will learn how to describe how the construction of knowledge historically marginalizes women.
You will learn how to weigh relationships of power related to race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality in an interdisciplinary context.
You will learn to examine key women’s, gender, and sexuality studies concepts in some form of oral presentation or performance.
You will learn to design and complete a research project that analyzes a specific women’s, gender, and sexuality studies topic.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers as
As a gender equality advocate you will champion the rights and representation of women and LGBTQ+ communities through activism and policy work.
As a diversity and inclusion consultant you will advise organizations on creating inclusive environments that respect and celebrate gender and sexual diversity.
As a social researcher you will conduct research on gender and sexuality issues to inform public policy and social change.
As a community outreach coordinator you will develop programs and resources that support and empower marginalized gender and sexual identities within communities.
Graduates pursue careers as
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.
Jessie Hewitt
Department Chair, Associate Professor
Priya Jha
Professor
Jennifer Nelson
Professor
Althea Sircar
Assistant Professor
Jennifer Tilton
Professor
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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