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Bachelor of Arts

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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Study Gender Bias and Inequity in Our Society

The women's, gender and sexuality studies program at UAlbany enables you to develop informed perspectives on the complex relationships between gender, sexuality, race, and class in America and around the world.

Faculty members in this program are exceptionally diverse and offer a wide range of courses in subjects such as the history of the LGBTQ movement in the United States, women and political power, inequality in biotechnologies, media and popular culture, and legal issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.

Many students enroll in this bachelor's program as a second major because its deeply interdisciplinary curriculum naturally complements academic studies in departments across the University.

Additional Program Information

Undergraduate Bulletin   |   Course Catalog   |   MAP: Major Planning   |  Department Contact Janell Hobson

Program of Study

A minimum of 36 credits in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies courses including:

Required Courses

  • Women Creating Change
  • Classism, Racism, and Sexism: Issues 
  • Research Methods Seminar in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

One of the following theory classes:

  • Feminist Social and Political Thought
  • Topics advised by Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

One of the following practicum options:

  • Feminist Pedagogy in Practice
  • Internship in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

 

Elective Courses

Take 21 credits in electives, with at least 9 credits at the 300 level or higher.

 

Global Distinction

The Global Distinction program an be completed through the WGSS major, in which requirements can be fulfilled through globally-focused WGSS courses and study abroad opportunities. See the Global Distinction in WGSS Academic Plan for details.

Practicum Options

To fulfill your practicum requirement, you'll choose one of the following options.

 

Gain Seminar Leadership Experience

The University at Albany was the first in the nation to offer a peer teaching program known as The Teaching Collective. Today it is Feminist Pedagogy in Practice.

If you participate in this applied learning opportunity, you'll gain first-hand experience facilitating undergraduate seminar discussions in the course Introduction to Feminisms.

 

Support a Local Community Organization

With this option, you get to work with partner organizations solving real problems in Albany and the greater Capital Region. 

The department is connected to many local agencies and nonprofit groups, so it's easy for you to obtain an internship that's aligned with your interests and will support your career goals.

Content

Honors Program

If you've earned at least 12 credits that count toward the women's, gender and sexuality studies major and have a GPA of 3.25 or higher, you may apply for admission to its honors program in the second semester of your sophomore year.

In the honors program, you complete an intensive 3-credit independent research or creative honors project concurrently with the research methods seminar. The project typically begins as an upper-division paper submitted during your junior year. 

To complete the honors program, you must maintain a 3.5 GPA in all of your major courses and a 3.25 GPA overall. 

Combined BA/MA Program

Content

The combined bachelor's and master's program enables outstanding students to receive both degrees in only five years. Completion time is reduced by applying 10 graduate credits toward upper-level bachelor's requirements.

If you're accepted into this program, these credits are fulfilled through required graduate courses while you are still an undergraduate.

You can apply for admission to the combined BA/MA program once you have completed 60 credits with a GPA of 3.2 or higher. You must submit a statement of purpose, writing sample, and supportive letters of recommendation from faculty with your application.

Content

Career Paths

Graduates of the women’s, gender and sexuality studies program are prepared to succeed in academic and professional graduate programs in fields such as law, social welfare, education, public administration, and public health.

With experience in critical thinking and writing about diversity and multiculturalism, alumni also pursue careers in business, social services, public affairs, publishing, and nonprofit groups. 

Many go on to obtain leadership roles with organizations such as:

  • Domestic abuse shelters
  • Rape crisis centers
  • Women's health clinics
  • LGBTQ community centers
  • Diversity and inclusion training groups
  • Civil and human rights advocacy firms

 

 

WGSS alumna Samhita Mukhopadhyay, Executive Editor of Teen Vogue
WGSS alumna Samhita Mukhopadhyay (BA, 2000), Executive Editor of Teen Vogue

Notable Alumni

  • Samhita Mukhopadhyay, Executive Editor, Teen Vogue
  • Jessica Valenti and Vanessa Valenti, Founders of the feminist blog Feministing
  • Awkwafina, Professional comedian, actress, and rapper
WGSS and Journalism alumna Nora Lum, aka Awkwafina, center in Lulu Wang’s film The Farewell
WGSS and Journalism alumna Nora Lum (BA, 2011), aka Awkwafina, center in Lulu Wang’s film The Farewell (2019)

    "I completed a summer internship at The Legal Project after connecting with them as an undergraduate through the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies department. With this degree, I'm ready to pursue a career empowering myself and others to fight against different kinds of systematic oppression."

    – Chaula Shukla Tulio, BA '04, Attorney

    Student Learning Objectives


    Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

    Bachelor of Arts
    • Recognize the value of social location and standpoint in knowledge-making practices
    • Analyze a social issue using an intersectional framework
    • Identify the interdisciplinary nature of women’s, gender & sexuality studies 
    • Create an academic product based in feminist research
    • Demonstrate feminist praxis through community or pedagogical engagement

    What Makes The University at Albany Great

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    Living-Learning Communities

    Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

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    Study Abroad

    Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

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    Undergraduate Research

    Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

    Explore Minors

    Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

    A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

    Full List of Minors
    • Acting
    • Africana Studies
    • Anthropology
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    • Law and Philosophy
    • Leadership
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    • Library and Information Science
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    • Theatre
    • Theatrical Design/Technology
    • Urban Studies and Planning
    • U.S. Latino Studies
    • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies