Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies Degree Program Guide

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Choosing to study Women's and Gender Studies offers a powerful opportunity to explore issues of gender, sexuality, and social justice.

Women's and Gender Studies is a field of study that encourages students to ask big questions about the way that gender impacts societies, institutions, and human experience. Though the field historically focused on the lives of women, in the contemporary WGS classroom you’ll learn about how gender intersects with race, Indigeneity, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and (dis)ability.

Become a Women’s and Gender Studies student to deepen your understanding of gender issues, develop critical analytical skills, and contribute to a future of social justice and equality for all.

Academic Requirements for Women’s and Gender Studies Majors

General Requirements and Information
  • A major in Women’s and Gender Studies requires a minimum of 30 units to a maximum of 48 units in Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) or Women’s and Gender Studies cross-listed courses
Course Requirements
  • 9 units at the 400 level in WGS or Women’s and Gender Studies cross-listed courses, including a minimum of 6 units in WGS courses
  • 9 units from your choices of:
    • WGS 301 - History of Feminist Thought
    • WGS 302 - Feminist Research and Methodologies
    • WGS 332 - Contemporary Feminist Theory
    • WGS 360 - Race, Class, and Gender
Additional Notes
  • Students wishing to pursue a major in Women’s and Gender Studies should note that the completion of at least 3 units in WGS at the 100- or 200-level is a prerequisite for all 300- and 400-level WGS courses

Academic Requirements for Women’s and Gender Studies Minors

Minor Requirements
  • A minor in Women’s and Gender Studies requires a minimum of 18 units to a maximum of 42 units in Women’s and Gender Studies or Women’s and Gender Studies cross-listed courses including at least 3 units in 300-level WGS and 3 units in 400-level WGS courses
  • Students wishing to pursue a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies should note that the completion of at least 3 units in WGS at the 100- or 200-level is a prerequisite for all 300- and 400-level WGS courses

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Women’s and Gender Studies students take?

  • WGS 101 - Representations of Girls and Women
  • WGS 102 - Gender and Social Justice
  • WGS 220 - Feminism and Popular Culture
  • WGS 230 - Consent
  • WGS 244 - Critical Disability Studies
  • WGS 255 - Gender and Sexuality in World and Indigenous Religions
  • WGS 302 - Feminist Research and Methodologies
  • WGS 315 - Histories of Gender
  • WGS 440 - Body Politics

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Women’s and Gender Studies degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Women’s and Gender Studies degree. From education to human rights work, graduates are equipped with advocacy, critical thinking, and research skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer
  • Sociological Researcher
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Program Evaluator
  • Content Creator
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Grant Writer
  • Program Coordinator
  • Community Engagement Professional
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Training and Development Coordinator
  • Youth Counselor
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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