About
WHAT IS THE CENTER FOR WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES?
The Center for Women’s and Gender Studies is an academic unit offering a central
location for discourse relative to the field of women’s and gender studies. We
offer degrees in women’s and gender studies including majors, minors and graduate
certificates. Through our network of over 100 faculty associates, we offer
courses across the entire University. We offer or promote a wide array of opportunities
to learn more about the many aspects of the field, including presentations, fireside
chats, Scholars in Residence and more. We also offer scholarships and awards
for students and faculty.
WHO CAN TAKE WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES?
Don’t let the name mislead you. Women’s and gender studies is not just about women,
nor is it about male-bashing or gender wars. Rather, women’s and gender studies
courses cover a broad range of subjects with sensitivity to gender, race, ability,
age, sexual orientation and class. All genders are involved in the program
both as professors and students. Social work graduate student William Townsend
finds women’s and gender studies enriching personally and intellectually. Raised
primarily by his mother, Townsend finds Women’s and Gender Studies helped him to
understand why, with a mother as a sole breadwinner, he was raised in poverty.
“I try to encourage other males to take women’s and gender studies courses because
they will enable them to work in diverse groups,” said Townsend. Many men have
graduated from the women’s and gender studies program with certificates or minors
and hundreds more take courses such as Women’s Studies 170, the introductory course.
“I think that all students should take women’s studies classes to broaden their
views,” said David “Hoby” Botero, a communications and Spanish major from Colombia.
“It is a key to a new world. Little by little, we can find a common equality.”
WHAT WILL WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES DO FOR ME?
WVU students say women’s and gender studies courses help them grow both personally
and academically. Typical comments include: “I learned self-awareness and leadership
skills.” “I found my ‘voice’ and courage to express my own opinions.” I learned
about networking, risk-taking, nurturing and respecting people different from
myself.” “Women’s studies taught me how to think about a question from all sides.”
“Women’s studies gave me support. I know now I’m not the only feminist at this
university.”
HOW DO I GET A DEGREE IN WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES?
Currently, there are several undergraduate degrees available for women’s and gender
studies students, including minor and major options. If you have questions
about these degree options, you can contact the Center for Women’s and Gender
Studies for more information. Check in at least once a semester with the Center
to update your progress toward graduation.
WHY TAKE WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES COURSES?
Business, public administration, healthcare, communications, law, teaching, social
work, counseling, creative arts, government and journalism are all fields in
which a major, minor or graduate certificate in women’s and gender studies
is a valuable professional credential.
Over 2,000 students now enroll annually in women’s and gender studies courses available
throughout WVU. Women’s and gender studies faculty associates in many departments
teach a wide variety of courses, and new courses are being continually added.
Many women’s and gender studies courses fulfill GEF objectives.