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Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Major (BA)
Minor

Learn how gender and sexuality are socially constructed and how they intersect with race, class, religion, ability, and national origin. Practice feminist and queer research skills and explore the relationship between research and activism.

About the Program

Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS) at Mills investigates the broad diversity of women’s and LGBTQ experiences, with an emphasis on the perspectives of women of color. In small, interactive classes, you’ll gain knowledge of research methodologies, feminist and queer social movements, and theories of gender and sexuality. You can customize the WGSS major to reflect your individual interests by designing your own concentration with help from your professors. Or select from one of the following concentrations:

  • Queer Studies
  • Women & Religion
  • Transnational Feminisms
  • Women & Politics
  • Gender & Cultural Politics
  • Historical Perspectives on Gender & Sexuality

The WGSS major culminates in a senior project involving original research or creative work. If you’re interested in a minor in this field, choose the women’s studies minor, the queer studies minor, or the women, leadership, and social change minor.

No matter which WGSS option you select, you’ll form close relationships with peers and professors. Professors will embolden you to express your ideas powerfully, exercise creative thinking, and hone your analytic skills. You’ll collaborate with classmates on group research projects and develop innovative ideas together. Outside the classroom, you’ll be encouraged to participate in internships and community organizing opportunities that will prepare you for a wide range of careers. View our program details for in-depth information on the major and minor.

Courses You Could Take

Sexuality & the City
Feminist & Queer Theories
Sex, Body & Gender in Early European Societies
Women in Islam
Transnational Sexualities
Race, Sexuality & the State

Beyond the Classroom

Learning isn’t limited to the classroom at Mills. Take a look at some of the opportunities you can have while earning a major or minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.  

Events & Activities  
  • On-campus lectures—Visiting writers and activists speak on topics like reproductive justice and intersectionality, human rights and democracy, and feminism and work.
  • Off-campus events—The San Francisco Bay Area’s numerous educational and cultural institutions offer a wealth of performances, art exhibitions, and scholarly lectures that address women’s and LGBTQ experiences.
  • The Mills College Art Museum—Our own museum holds more than 10,000 works of art and supports the creativity of women through exhibitions and a work-study program. Many of its exhibitions explore key topics in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
  • Essay writing competition—Each year, Mills awards a prize to an undergraduate student for the best WGSS essay or nonfiction paper.
Student Organizations  

Participate in meetings, events, and volunteering opportunities organized by student clubs with a focus on gender and sexuality issues, including:

  • Community Health Resource Center—Provides confidential, safe access to information and resources concerning health and safety for all genders, including reproductive rights, domestic violence, and nutrition and body image
  • Gender Splendor—Connects gender activists and creates space for diverse gender identities on campus
  • Mouthing Off—Facilitates a safe space where students who are LGBTQ-identified, straight allies, and others can come together for dialogue and action around the LGBTQ community
Internships  
With a long history of social activism, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to numerous organizations dedicated to feminist and LGBTQ causes. Whether you’re interested in reproductive justice, preventing sexual violence, or gender non-conforming families, you’ll have opportunities for community-based learning about your social passion.
What Can I Do with a WGSS Degree from Mills?

WGSS majors graduate with strong oral and written communication, research, and critical analysis skills. They’re equipped for careers in social work, public policy, education, law, and nonprofit management as well as advanced study in diverse fields. In recent years, graduates have used their Mills education to succeed in such positions as:

Psychotherapist
Baywell Psychiatry Group
News Producer
Fox Chicago News
Communications Manager
Larkin Street Youth Services
Senior Fellow
Movement Strategy Center
President
Petaluma Community Guild
Information Architect
The Understanding Group
Vice President
Health Care Coverage, California Hospital Association
Community Manager
i-GATE Innovation Hub
Youth Advocate
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Co-Founder
Moving Forward Education
Political Director

Service Employees International Union, Local 1021 

Director of Sexual Assault and Gender-Based Violence Services
University of California at San Francisco