Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Gain the tools to engage as a global citizen and help build a more inclusive, equitable, and socially just world. Simmons’ women’s, gender & sexuality studies major explores this field of study across diverse national, international, and transnational contexts. You will learn to critically examine issues of identity and power both in the classroom — and beyond.

We offer our bachelor's degree through Simmons’ Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The program builds on the University’s 125-year-old history. Simmons founders launched the school to help women earn a living by giving them access to education. 

Our BA equips you with marketable, transferable skills that translate into living, working, and thriving in a diverse world. You’ll learn to demonstrate cultural competency and leadership to future employers through internships and experiential learning opportunities. These skills are crucial in areas like education, social work, nonprofits, medicine, law, government, and business.

This major pairs nicely with degrees in many fields that serve women, LGBTQIA+ people, and people of color. Many of our students also study education, government, nursing, public health, and social work.

You may decide to continue your studies through Simmons' Master of Arts in Gender and Cultural Studies program.

What Will You Study as a Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies major?

Our interdisciplinary BA provides a solid foundation in critical thinking, research, writing, and technology. Through this major, you’ll develop theoretical, empirical, and methodological perspectives for studying the status and experiences of women.

You'll learn the multiple and contested meanings and roles of gender in diverse national and international contexts. You'll explore the roots of feminism and feminist movements. You'll discover how to champion gender equality by effecting change in your community.

Our program pays close attention to the intersections of race, ethnicity, social class, disability, religion, nationality, and other identities. We utilize critical feminist and queer frameworks and increasingly offer more courses in LGBTQIA+ studies. Topics you'll explore include #MeToo, feminist theory, gender and queer theory, queer studies, intimate family violence, and women's studies.

Skills you’ll learn:

• critical thinking, research, writing, technology
• diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competency
• social justice and activism, politics

You’ll also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in Boston-area internships and independent projects.

Why Get a BA in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies?

You may pursue Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies as your primary major or to enrich another discipline.

Our students thrive in careers in management, law, education, counseling, education, library, museum, or archival work. Many also find jobs in healthcare, social services, public administration, writing, publishing, and the media.

This program also provides excellent preparation for graduate school.