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Women and Gender Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Women and Gender Studies

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Interdisciplinary scholarship. Experiential learning. Meaningful impact.

The women and gender studies major at the University of Delaware combines rigorous interdisciplinary scholarship with undergraduate research, community-engaged learning, internships and individualized faculty mentoring. Students explore how sex and gender shape institutions, public policy, culture, relationships and individual experiences. They also examine the intersections of race, class, sexuality, nationality, religion, age, disability and other dimensions of identity across historical, cultural, political and global contexts.

Drawing on perspectives from the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences and cultural studies, the curriculum strengthens students’ critical thinking, research, writing and communication skills. Graduates are prepared for careers and advanced study in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Women and gender studies majors may pursue an honors degree or apply to the Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Concentration, the only undergraduate concentration of its kind in the United States. Students also benefit from individualized internships and strong partnerships with community organizations throughout Delaware.

AREAS OF STUDY

Feminist theory and research methods
Gender, culture and representation
Gender-based violence prevention and services
Global and transnational feminisms
Health, the body and public health
Law, public policy, advocacy and social change
Race, class, sexuality and intersectionality
Sexuality studies

CAREER OPTIONS

Advocacy and victim services
Education
Government and public policy
Health care and public health
Human resources
Law and criminal justice
Nonprofit leadership
Program evaluation and research
Social services
Student affairs and higher education

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Counseling
Education
Law
Leadership and public administration
Medicine and health professions
Public health
Social sciences
Social work

Why Women and Gender Studies at UD?

The women and gender studies program at the University of Delaware offers a personalized academic experience that combines interdisciplinary scholarship with exceptional opportunities for experiential learning and professional development. Accomplished faculty members are dedicated teachers, scholars and mentors who provide individualized advising and guidance throughout each student’s academic journey.

The department is home to the Center for the Study and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, where research, professional training and community engagement come together. Through the center, students can participate in undergraduate research, applied learning and community partnerships that address pressing social issues.

Partnerships with more than 15 community organizations across Delaware connect classroom learning with internships, research, community-engaged learning and public service. Together, these experiences prepare graduates for careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors and for graduate or professional study.

Learn by doing

Experiential learning is central to the women and gender studies major. Students connect academic study with professional practice through internships, undergraduate research, community partnerships and public engagement.

WOMS 498: Internship in Women and Gender Studies, which offers individualized internships aligned with academic interests and career goals
Undergraduate research with faculty mentors
Community-engaged learning with organizations throughout Delaware
Lectures, workshops and professional programs featuring nationally recognized scholars, advocates, policymakers and practitioners
Professional development in research, writing, presentation, networking and leadership

These experiences help students connect scholarship with practice while building the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for careers and advanced study.

Customize your experience

Women and gender studies students can tailor the major to their academic interests and career goals.

Honors Degree

Qualified students may pursue an honors degree through advanced coursework, independent research and close faculty mentorship.

Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Concentration

Women and gender studies majors may apply to the Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Concentration, the only undergraduate concentration of its kind in the United States.

This competitive, application-based concentration combines specialized interdisciplinary coursework with a funded 10-week summer practicum. Students gain professional experience in advocacy, prevention and survivor services while completing up to 500 hours toward Delaware Certified Domestic Violence Specialist certification.

Sample Curriculum

The women and gender studies curriculum combines core courses with upper-level electives, allowing students to tailor the major to their interests while preparing for careers and advanced study.

Core courses

Core courses include:

WOMS 201: Introduction to Women and Gender Studies
WOMS 200: Introduction to Sexualities and Gender Studies
WOMS 313: Theory and Methods in Feminism
WOMS 410: The Study of Women and Gender Studies

Students complete additional upper-level women and gender studies electives and may incorporate internships, undergraduate research, honors coursework, study abroad or the Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Concentration into their academic plans.

A semester-by-semester four-year plan is available from the Department of Women and Gender Studies.

Beyond the classroom

Women and gender studies students extend their learning through leadership, research, internships, service and campus involvement.

Students participate in:

Undergraduate research
Community-engaged learning
Department lectures and speaker series
Center for the Study and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence programs and events
Internship experiences
Study abroad opportunities
Student leadership and advocacy

Many students also participate in registered student organizations that complement their academic interests, including: