Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies (B.A.)

Create Meaningful Change Through Shared Understanding with a B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies

In the Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies at West Chester University, we encourage you to recognize your own voice and experience as sources of expertise. Our courses offer an interdisciplinary approach that encourages you to explore how the intersections of gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, nationality, ability and other vectors of identity configure historical and contemporary struggles for social transformation. Rigorous coursework across disciplines is paired with opportunities for global study, activism, and community engagement. In an ever more global economy, employers seek people who have cultivated skills in cultural competency and effective communication that engages with the complexities of our identities and our world. Our department provides a framework for developing these skills, and our graduates are well-equipped to enter the world as informed citizens and to take up work that promotes social change and justice.

The Benefits of Earning Your Degree in Women's & Gender Studies at West Chester University

Flexibility

A major in Women's & Gender studies requires only 4 core courses and a capstone, providing you with the flexibility to choose the remaining elective courses so you can pursue your passions in related coursework to customize your overall program of study. The interdisciplinary nature of the program fits well with courses across campus including education, urban community change, social work, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and public administration just to name a few.

Vibrant, Welcoming Community

With a history that dates back 50 years, the Women’s and Gender Studies program specializes in integrating the valuable life experiences of those people who have been traditionally neglected in academia. As a Women’s and Gender Studies student, you will be a member of the College of Arts & Humanities community, constantly surrounded by creative ways to see and be in the world. WCU is home to a Center for Women & Gender Equity, Center for Gender & Queer Advocacy, and the Dowdy Multicultural Center, as well as the Rustin Urban Community Change Axis.

Experiential Learning

We ground our scholarship in scholarly and activist experiences that includes publishing in open online and student journals, internships, undergraduate research symposia, involvement with the Triota Honor Society, and many more. In this way, WGS at WCU offers the community of a smaller program with the opportunities of much larger campuses.

Funding Opportunities

The Department of Women’s & Gender Studies awards the Madelyn Gutwirth Prize annually to undergraduate students excelling in the Women’s & Gender Studies program. The Center for Queer and Trans Advocacy offers funding for four separate annual awards, the Bayard Rustin Book Scholarship, the Beth Baker ’77 Award, the Dorothy Gilson Baker ’47 Award, and the Bob Baker Award, and the University offers many options for scholarships and financial aid.

What Can You Do with a Women's & Gender Studies Degree?

Women’s and Gender Studies is a wide reaching, interdisciplinary program of study. The Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at culture and gender studies as a large, comprehensive field. Jobs are expected to grow between 4% and 19% based on concentration and additional graduate study, some positions in education with negative growth. The areas of highest growth include postsecondary health specialty teachers (19%), management analysts (11%), and social and community service managers (8%) through 2033.

Employers today are looking to hire critical thinkers with strong analytical and writing skills who understand and respect the diversity of voices in our increasingly global economy. Our students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing job market in many different types of careers including:

What Will You Study for Your Degree in Women’s & Gender Studies?

The Bachelor of Arts in Women’s & Gender Studies at WCU is interdisciplinary in nature, allowing you to take courses across the university including music, history, art, literature, peace & conflict studies, political science, sociology, and psychology that fit directly into your major requirements as well as up to 45 credits of electives. Women’s & Gender Studies truly allows you to pursue your passions.

Bachelor of Arts in Women’s & Gender Studies Curriculum

Testimonial

"I am so excited to be a WGST major. Being in this program and surrounded by people that are strong examples of what I want to be and that believe in me, has made such a difference in my life. I’m continuously astounded by the unique and special opportunities that are given to me in this department…. People love to give me a hard time about this major but when I start talking about the environment of learning and the strong ethics which it instills, people get quiet. I have never been in a space in which I could confidently turn to any person and always expect help or warmth or encouragement or confidence until I started in WGST classes and it is truly impossible to fail when you're in an environment like that.”

- Sabina '17