The bachelor's degree in Women's and Gender Studies offers students a course of study that examines gender diversity across race-ethnicity, sexuality, class, nation, and the world. Students may choose from diverse coursework where they may learn about women's contributions and current multicultural, ecological, and post-colonial feminisms. Crucially, students become skilled at relating theory to practice in thematic specialties, such as Queer Studies and Transnational Feminism. This knowledge and practice prepares students to work with and for diverse peoples in the professions and as advocates for social justice.
If you're curious about the ways gender, race, class, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and age shape the world, a degree in Women's and Gender Studies might be the right degree path to pursue. With this program, you'll graduate with the essential skills to work in public policy, justice studies, human rights, the media, or social services. Your coursework will also provide a strong foundation should you choose to continue on to graduate school.
Your coursework in the historical and contemporary perspectives on women's contributions to culture, society, politics, professions, social movements, and the arts will engage you while you learn essential skills in critical thinking, communication and research. Your studies will foster development of your ability to think critically, take action, and balance theory and activism. In classrooms and conferences, writings and discussion online and face-to-face you will rediscover women's histories and accomplishments; explore contemporary realities; and empower yourself to imagine and work toward the possibilities for greater justice worldwide.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The mission of the Women’s and Gender Studies program (WGS) at Northern Arizona University is to provide students with a deep and sophisticated understanding of feminist scholarship. Interdisciplinary and intersectionality are at the core of the WGS educational mission and frame a variety of curricular offerings that emphasize women of color, indigeneity, transnational and queer/trans scholarship.
1. Identify and explain key topics, concepts, and issues in Women’s and Gender or Queer Studies, including intersectionality, reproductive health, sexuality and the body, and power, privilege, and violence.
2. Interpret and compare key concepts of assigned sex, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, racialization, nation, social construction, hegemony, inequity, discrimination and social justice, and the intersections among them, in a variety of feminist theoretical traditions, texts, and frameworks, and then analyze and critically evaluate their assumptions, insights, oversights, and applicability to other texts, concepts, and real-world situations.
3. Analyze variations in LGBTQIAP+ people’s experiences by using queer and trans theory to identify and describe gender and sexuality assumptions; also be able to articulate the applications, insights and oversights of queer and trans theory.
4. Think through and apply feminist and queer studies concepts and theories in specific political, historical, geographic, and cultural contexts.
5. Understand the intersectionality of women’s and/or queer and gendered identities, informed by hierarchies of race, ethnicity, ability, class, nation and so forth.
6. Analyze women’s and/or queer experiences within gender systems of power, privilege, and violence.
7. Apply theoretical frameworks of queer studies and feminisms to current issues in local communities, and at statewide and national levels.
8. Understand the historical and contemporary variations of feminisms/queer theories in a global context and transnational framework.
9. Write critically: write clear and well-reasoned prose that acknowledges complex and diverse points of view and methods of critical inquiry/research, especially those that address constructions of gender, sexuality, race, and class.
10. Verbally express ideas effectively, tailoring arguments and presentation styles to audiences and interactive contexts.
11. Develop skills of leadership, advocacy, organization, and community building to bring about social change.
Take the following 36 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Please be aware that we encourage you to consult with your academic advisor every term once you declare a major, usually after completing no more than 12 units of requirements.
Please be aware that a grade of "D" will not count for major credit.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.