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Academics

Become More Intersectional

Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies (WEIS) provides a balanced and comprehensive view of women's historical contributions to present day society. It offers a vision of future possibilities for women as they reach their full human potential, both in traditional occupations and in newly-achieved positions of responsibility throughout the world.

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Field Major

See what you'll study

With a B.A. Field Major in Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies, you'll gain academic training and leadership skills aimed at improving women's lives both personally and professionally. You'll explore the impact of gender, race/ethnicity, class, and sexuality — all central themes to this field. With a strong focus on cross-cultural and international perspectives, you'll look beyond culturally specific or nationally limited ideas of women's identities and challenges. Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies is interdisciplinary, emphasizing a thematic approach over a single-discipline focus. You'll dive into four core areas — internationalism, representation and media, social issues, and religion and thought — to develop a critical understanding of women, culture, and society. The curriculum also includes general education courses where you can explore subjects outside of your major, expanding your knowledge, perspective and skills and making a positive impact on your career and life. You can also choose to double-major in Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies and other fields in liberal arts, sciences -- or even other colleges -- broadening your career options.

If you're considering this path, reach out to the WEIS Program Director regarding your academic program and career goals. Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies can also be part of a dual major if your intellectual or career interests are best served by blending it with another academic field.

Why pursue a WEIS field major?

A WEIS field major or double major is ideal for students who are:

  • interested in a focused interdisciplinary degree that crosses departmental boundaries.
  • interested in pursuing scholarly work on women, ranging from literary criticism to clinical psychology.
  • planning careers which can be enhanced by a focus on women's concerns

What can you do with a WEIS field major?

A WEIS field major or double major can enhance your preparation to work in careers such as:

  • English
  • history
  • business
  • education
  • medicine/health care
  • law/medical practice law
  • social work
  • counseling and guidance
  • psychology
  • communications and advertising
  • politics
  • administration
  • labor and industrial relations/personnel
  • social media
  • social justice
  • international humanitarian organizations
  • other careers which concentrate on human behavior

Shocker Career Accelerator

Minor

Why pursue a WEIS minor?

The WEIS minor is ideal for students who:

  • wish to supplement their major with information and experience related to women.
  • desire formal recognition of their course work in Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies.
  • seek formal contact with faculty members who share a scholarly interest in women's experiences and lives.

Graduate Studies

While a graduate degree in Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies is not offered, WEIS coursework may be included in pursuit of other graduate degrees. Students may orient course electives and thesis research to accommodate an interest in Women's, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies. If you're considering this path, reach out to a WEIS faculty member regarding your academic program and career goals.

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