Women's and Gender Studies Major

Critically examine the ways that gender influences our lives, communities and cultures.

Why do women make up just 20 percent of the world's leaders? How does mass media reinforce binary gender expectations? Do you want to explore today's most important issues - including power, justice, family, sexuality, gender, race and class? You'll examine society and history through a nontraditional lens. Develop a range of analytical approaches and learn to think on your feet.

Why study women's and gender studies at the College of Charleston?

You'll study a variety of relevant social issues. Develop skills in research, critical thinking and written and oral communication. You'll study in a program that encourages social advocacy and emphasizes diversity. Gain valuable, real-life experience through internships and activism. 

What will I learn?

You will develop skills to excel in the community as well as the classroom. It will encourage and empower you to examine the world and determine the ways in which you can make a difference. You'll form your own opinions regarding important issues and how to act on them. You'll study topics like power, family, justice, sexuality, race, class and more. Ultimately, it will help you become a more engaged and responsible citizen for the 21st century. 

View Curriculum: Women's and Gender Studies

Program Highlights

This field is unique. You'll understand the value of diversity, relationships and coalition building. You'll prepare to communicate across differences in background and viewpoint. Few areas of study accomplish this so directly.
  • Hands-On Learning

    You’ll explore the intersections of gender, class, race, ethnicity, age, religion and sexuality. We discuss complex cultural issues from historical to contemporary controversies. You'll learn to think on your feet and develop a range of analytical approaches.

    Check out the WGS Student Opportunities Fund. Students may apply for funding to support engagement in study abroad, internships, community-based learning projects and research/scholarly activities.

  • Internship Opportunities

    Internships are high-impact learning experiences. You'll have the opportunity to apply your studies to a real-world context. We support you finding an internship that furthers your personal and professional development. Students have interned with local organizations. 
    • Planned Parenthood
    • EMPOWERR
    • Gender & Sexuality Equity Center
    • Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. (formerly People Against Rape)
    • Thrive SC
    • Carolina Youth Action Project
    • Dee North Child Advocacy Center
    • Lutheran Family Services
    • Charleston Magazine
    • YWCA Greater Charleston
    • We Are Family
    • Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA)
    • ACLU of South Carolina
    • My Sister's House
    • Women's Rights & Empowerment Network (WREN)
    • Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services
    • Safe Zone
    • South Carolina Progressive Network
    • Medical University of South Carolina
    • What IFF?: Exploring Intersectional Feminist Futures with Women's & Gender Studies at Collge of Charleston
    • The Feminist Press

Careers & Outcomes

You'll become a leader in your academic pursuits and in your activism. That’s because you'll learn to use an interdisciplinary lens for examining an array of complex cultural issues. Delving into these topics will strengthen your skills in writing, critical thinking, oral presentation, teamwork and leadership. These are all attributes that are vital to success in today’s evolving job market. Women's and gender studies majors obtain professions like:
  • lawyers.
  • counselors.
  • social workers.
  • healthcare workers.
  • non-profit leaders.
  • marketing specialists.
  • teachers.

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Inspiring change

From REI to I-CAN, Kristen Graham '24 inspires change. "I want to effect positive change in our federal and local policies that reflect diverse population. I especially want to advocate for Black women and the LGBTQ+ by using the connections and materials I’ve gained through my WGS classes."

Read More About Kristen
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About the Minor

A minor in women's and gender studies compliments any major. You may benefit from this minor if you are majoring in the humanities, business, health sciences or STEM. By broadening perspectives on these complex issues, you will develop interpersonal skills. These skills can help in any career from patient relations for a future doctor to being a more empathetic co-worker or manager.

View Curriculum: Women's and Gender Studies Minor