Dear students: The program office is open daily and nearly always has an advisor available. We enjoy meeting students, and answering any questions you have about our program, classes, requirements or faculty sponsors.  Don't hesitate to stop by 208 Bartlett Hall, or email me directly to schedule an appointment.  I look forward to meeting you. Karen Lederer, Chief Undergraduate Advisor
NOTE: These pages/files are for reference purposes only. Applications are complete only if paper copies are signed by the student and faculty sponsor.

Major Information

PDF of Major Application

Minor Information

PDF of Minor Information/Application

Honors Track
WGSS Requirements WGSS Honors Coordinator

Degree Concentration Possibilities

Undergraduate Information

Students who major or minor in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty sponsor. Majors are required to undertake a sequence of five core courses designed to introduce an integrative analysis, the classic works in the field, analyze developments in feminist theory, explore new methodologies in feminist scholarship, and study women of color both inside and outside the U.S. The major is 36 credits, with five required courses: WOMENSST 201, and a core theory course, WOMENSST 301 - or WOST 394H - Black Feminist/Womanist Theory (WOST 394H can fulfill the theory requirement or a Women of Color requirement but not both); 2 courses on Women of Color (1 course on Women of Color in the U.S. and 1 course on Women of Color outside the U.S. - this includes courses that take a diasporan or global approach), and Writing for Majors (WOST 391W). Majors are required to complete an orientation process at the start of their program and a report at the end. Suggested deadline for fall admission is October 31st and for spring admission, April 1st. The minor is an 18 credit concentration with two courses: WOMENSST 201 and a course on Women of Color. You must be a matriculated student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to submit a major or minor application.