About Women and Gender Studies
The Women and Gender Studies Program
at the University of California Davis
was founded in 1981 and is one of the
largest and most vibrant programs in
the nation. One of our greatest
strengths is our faculty's commitment
to exploring issues of gender in
relation to race, class, ability,
ethnicity, sexuality, nation and
culture in a transnational
framework.
One of the most exciting and
challenging aspects of the Women and
Gender Studies Program is that
students, in consultation with the Peer
and Faculty Advisors, can pursue their
particular academic interests and
design their own course of study
accordingly. In devising their major
plan, students will draw on courses
offered in African American and African
Studies, American Studies,
Anthropology, Asian American Studies,
Chicana/o Studies, Comparative
Literature, English, French, German,
History, Italian, Linguistics, Native
American Studies, Political Science,
Psychology, Sociology, Spanish,
Textiles and Clothing, and other
related disciplines.
In addition to offering a broad
array of courses that deal with gender,
race, class, ability, ethnicity,
sexuality, nation, and culture, the
Women and Gender Studies Program
affords interested students the
opportunity to earn internship credit
and conduct independent research as
well as take advantage of the Honors
Thesis option.
Upon successful completion of the
degree requirements, students majoring
in the program will graduate with a
Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender
Studies. Students meeting additional
university requirements can graduate
with honors. Many Women and Gender
Studies majors find it advantageous to
pursue a double major, or to minor in
another discipline such as Political
Science, History, English, Sociology,
Comparative Literature or Ethnic
Studies.
Undergraduate
Studies | Graduate Studies
|
Careers and Opportunities
A degree in Women and Gender Studies
opens many diverse possibilities for
future employment. The WGS Program
introduces students to relevant social
issues, fosters critical thinking,
develops strong verbal, writing and
research skills, and encourages social
advocacy.
Pre-professional students will
discover that a major in Women and
Gender Studies offers useful
preparatory training for medical or law
school. It is particularly suitable for
those interested in specializing in
social policy, advocacy work, or
gender-related issues. Students
who plan to do practical work in
counseling, clinical psychology, social
services, education, or political
science will also find Women’s
Studies to be a helpful undergraduate
major.
Those who wish to do graduate level
research in such fields as history,
literature, ethnic studies, philosophy,
sociology, anthropology, economics,
political science, comparative
literature, dramatic art, education,
ethnic studies, film, English, or
Women’s Studies will also benefit
from a WGS major which provides a
strong undergraduate background in
critical theory, social history and an
understanding of narrative and cultural
representation of difference.
Increasingly, corporations, colleges
and universities, and personnel firms
are hiring specialists in women and
gender studies trained in understanding
the complex demands of diverse
communities. State and federal
agencies need people who have special
understanding of the problems that
different women face in society,
industry, and the professions.
Educational institutions need
specialists to develop and administer
women’s studies programs,
multi-cultural community centers, LGBT
organizations and other groups designed
specifically to deal with diverse
gender and social issues.
Some of our alumni have developed
careers other than those described
above. Talking to your Women and
Gender Studies faculty advisor or peer
advisor can give you even more ideas
about possible future careers.
Doing internships related to your
coursework allows you to integrate
theory with hands on practice and
service in the community.
Internship
and Career Center
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