Getting Started

College: HFA

 (Revised Spring 2019)  

Information below is meant to guide first-year students in getting started with this major and choosing appropriate courses.  More advanced students interested in this major would also likely start with proposed foundation/pre-requisite courses.  Please refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn about the full major requirements.

How to Explore the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the General Education Requirements.  Guidelines for students are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

  • WGSS 187 (IDU), "Gender, Sexuality and Culture," is an excellent survey course. 
  • WGSS 220 (SBDG), "Gender, the Global Environment, and Sustainability".
  • WGSS 285 (SIDU), "The Biology of Difference," explores the history of sexual and racial differences.
  • WGSS 290B (SBDG), "Introduction to Sexuality and Trans Studies:  Movements for Justice in the Contemporary World".
  • WGSS 290C (HSDU), "History of Sexuality and Race in the U.S."

Suggested Major and Pre-requisites Courses

Students are encouraged to take a variety of courses drawn from the Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Course Offerings Guide published each semester in paper form and on the department’s website at www.umass.edu/wgss.

In addition to WGSS 187, "Gender, Sexuality and Culture," in the spring a varied range of additional general education classes are offered all of which give crucial background for students interested in the field. See list above.

Students should see the advisor in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies for information, applications and course listings. Take a WGSS gen ed class or an elective. Juniors entering in the Fall should consider enrolling in a class that fulfills the program’s Junior Year Writing Requirement.

How to Declare/Change into the Major

For current & admitted students:  This major is unrestricted, which means any student may declare the major.  Unrestricted majors may still have an entry process such as meeting with an advisor or attending an informational meeting.  To declare/change into the Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies (WGSS) major, students must complete a simple application process and find a faculty sponsor. An advisor is available to help with the application process and find a sponsor. All students with a completed application and sponsor are admitted.

This process is the same for Exploratory Track students, and for primary or secondary majors. Incoming first year and transfer students can be admitted directly to the major but must still complete the application.  See the advisor for more specifics.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more.  Minimum total # of credits required: 36.

Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies is an individually-designed program. Students have the option of focusing on a theme they select. All students work closely with a faculty sponsor. Assistance is available in designing a program and selecting a sponsor.

Is there a minor? If so what are the requirements?
Yes - A minor is available!  Refer to the Minor page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

For further information, contact:
Karen Lederer
lederer@umass.edu
W401 South College 413 545-1922
website: www.umass.edu/wgss