In Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies (WGSS), we are committed to an integrative analysis, where the study of women, gender, and sexuality is understood to be multifaceted, diverse, and embedded in complex matrices of power relations. Our undergraduate curriculum includes a rich set of core courses and electives that present students with the vibrant field of feminist scholarship today. The courses challenge students to critically examine the categories of analysis and aim to make the complex and multiple histories of feminisms, feminist movements, and feminist theory accessible. In addition, our curriculum encourages our students to develop critical analyses of the politics of knowledge. As such, our 18-credit minor can complement and extend your major in any number of fields. Many of our minors come to us from sociology, history, public health, education, psychology, literature, and the Social Thought and Political Economy Program (STPEC), among other fields.
How do I become a WGSS minor?
If you are a current UMass student who wants to major or minor in WGSS, please fill out the linked form, and we'll be in touch!
As soon as you are an official minor, the WGSS requirements will appear in SPIRE.
Minor Requirements
WGSS minors must take at least 18 WGSS credits that include the following:
- WGSS 201: Gender and Difference: Critical Analyses (offered every semester)
- 200+ level course within WGSS: Students must take at minimum one additional class from the WGSS department of at least 3 credits, 200 level or above
- Additional electives for a total of 18 credits or more
You must maintain a cumulative average of 2.0 in courses that you intend to count toward the minor.
