Our Programs

Examine the world and determine the ways in which you can make a difference.

You can major or minor in women's and gender studies.

The Women's and Gender Studies Program will teach you to investigate socio-historical experiences and apply critical analysis to formulate your own opinions. You'll study important issues including:

  • power.
  • justice.
  • family.
  • sexuality.
  • gender roles.
  • race, equity, and inclusion.

This program will help you become a more engaged and responsible citizen for the 21st century. 

The professors who teach in this program — more than 60 in all — represent a variety of academic interests, specialties and disciplines, including:

  • English.
  • psychology.
  • public health.
  • political science.
  • history.
  • communication.
  • philosophy.
  • biology.
  • art history.
  • Hispanic studies.
  • anthropology.
  • theatre.
  • and more.

A Unique Major

This is one of the few disciplines that teaches you to excel in the community as well as the classroom. Through this program, you will become a leader in your academic pursuit and in your activism.

Our program uses its interdisciplinary curriculum as a framework for examining an array of vital issues.

  • Through socio-historical and political contexts, understand why only 15 percent of the world’s leaders are women.
  • Discover more about the affects of systemic oppression on marginalized groups.
  • Learn the ways in which society reinforces gender roles.

Build Skills

Employers look to hire people who have demonstrated keen skills in problem-solving and community building.

You'll strengthen your abilities in:

  • critical thinking.
  • effective communication.
  • teamwork.
  • leadership.
  • writing.

In addition to strong skills, employers are looking for people who can thrive with a diverse team. In this program, you'll gain a unique perspective. Our program emphasizes the value of diversity, and of relationships and coalition building. This program prepares you to communicate across differences in background and viewpoint.

Kristen Graham '24

Profile photo of student Kristen Graham

Women's and Gender Studies major Kristen Graham '24 has incorporated her education and knowledge into campus change.

The Race, Equity and Inclusion curriculum (effective Fall 2023) requires that all undergraduate students of the College of Charleston complete six credit hours of “REI” courses, with 3 hours focusing on a U.S. Context and 3 hours focusing on a global context. Here we ask a WGS scholar-activist Kristen Graham, who has been involved in the REI initiative from the beginning, about her perceptions.

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