Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Bachelor of Science Degree

Gender studies fosters a critical approach to identifying problems, expanding intellectual inquiry, imagining creative solutions, and building an open, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment that leads to innovation, progress, and positive change for a better, more responsible, and more sustainable world.

In RIT’s women’s, gender, and sexuality studies major, you will ask key questions, such as:

• In what ways are our lived experiences and social and cultural institutions structured through the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, locality, disabilities, and age?
• How and why do systems of power, oppression, and privilege create gender and sexual norms, stereotypes, and discrimination in personal, social, and professional life?
• How can a focus on gender work to transform, enhance, and possibly reimagine scientific standards, models of knowledge production as well as technology and engineering projects, designs, and applications?
• How does gender diversity advance potential, heighten creativity, and broaden perspectives?
• By understanding the impact of sex- and gender-based discrimination and attitudes, how can we improve our personal life, social environments, workplaces, families, and communities?
• As gender dynamics intersect with race, ethnicity, class, localities, disability, and age, what can we do to remove obstacles and create spaces for personal and collective growth, equal opportunities, fair access to resources, and new possibilities?

As you investigate these questions and some possible answers, you will begin to develop a strong understanding of how the ideals of diversity, inclusivity, empathy, equity, and social justice can lead to positive, productive, supportive workplaces and a more welcoming and just society. As you make your way through aspects of feminist theories, women’s studies, gender and sexuality studies, queer theories, and transgender studies, and apply these to various areas of human experience and production, you will develop a deep and broad understanding of topics pertaining to differences, diversities, and inclusiveness. You will also realize the need for professionals who know how to be skilled and informed leaders, advocates, activists, and managers of community-engagement and social transformations. 

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Courses

The women's, gender, and sexuality studies major advances the values and benefits of sexual and gender diversity, equity, and representation; intellectual, personal, and professional empowerment; collaborative relations, empathy, and caring; and social, economic, and environmental justice and responsibility. It provides you with the skills and tools to help create–in any workplace and living environment–a diverse, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, supportive, and fulfilling place for everyone involved.

In this major, you develop transferable skills in: 

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Inquisitive attitude
• Appreciative inquiry
• Creative imagination
• Active listening 
• Expressive communication
• Inclusive leadership
• Collaborative team-building
• Gender and social justice advocacy

This dynamic approach, paired with a wide variety of courses taught by faculty across RIT's colleges, is adaptable to a range of fields of study, career paths, and professional environments–from the arts, media, and design; to science, engineering, and technology; to business, communication, and entrepreneurship; and to health care, public policy, and the social sciences.

Core and area courses: Core and area courses explore gender diversity, intersectionality, multicultural and transnational perspectives, and the connections between personal and social, local and global systems, institutions, and communities. The courses will help you build broad, first-hand knowledge of the field of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and of the gendered social and cultural dynamics that shape our world at large.

Concentrations: You will customize your course work by choosing one of six concentrations to further develop your knowledge and expertise in a particular area of women’s studies, gender studies, queer and transgender studies, LGBTQ+ studies, or sexuality studies that best aligns with your goals and interests. Concentrations are available in:

• Gender, art, and media
• Gender and STEM studies
• Gender equity, social institutions, and public affairs
• Gender advocacy, community activism, and inclusive leadership
• Queer and transgender studies
• Women’s and gender studies

Professional and technical courses: You will also complete a set of professional or technical courses that focus on an area of professional interest. These courses may be chosen from any RIT discipline. Some topics that may prove particularly beneficial to women’s, gender, and sexuality studies students include the following: criminal justice; 3D studio art; business; cybersecurity; entrepreneurship; game design; management; nutritional sciences; photography; sports, events, and entertainment management; water resources; international and global studies; and more.

And, if you seek to champion racial or cultural diversity and equity as they intersect with women, gender, and sexuality, this major can be enriched with a minor or immersion in:

• African Studies Immersion
• American Indian and Indigenous Studies Immersion
• American Indian and Indigenous Studies Minor
• American Sign Language and Deaf Cultural Studies Immersion
• American Sign Language and Deaf Cultural Studies Minor
• Black Studies Immersion
• Black Studies Minor
• Deaf Leadership Immersion
• Deaf Leadership Minor
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Dialogue Immersion
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Dialogue Minor
• Diversity in the U.S. Immersion
• Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Immersion
• Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Minor
• Modern Languages and Cultures Immersion in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish

Graduates of the women’s, gender, and sexuality studies major will be skilled at navigating workplace and societal challenges and become trailblazers for progress in industries as diverse as engineering, law, computing, environmental safety, sustainability, business leadership, human services, health care, and more.

Hands-On Experience

The women’s, gender, and sexuality studies major provides additional opportunities to gain real-world experience. Students are encouraged to take advantage of:

• Study abroad: Examine the beliefs and practices of other cultures and their attitudes toward women and other marginalized people.
• Cooperative education and internships: Gain hands-on career experience with an organization dedicated to advancing women’s, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms.
• Research experiences: Work directly with a faculty member to explore a topic in gender studies, women’s studies, queer studies, and more.

Further Your Education in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years, giving you a competitive advantage.

• Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies BS/Communication MS: Gain valuable gender analysis skills rooted in a deep understanding of how gender influences communication practices. The degree merges analytical abilities with technical expertise essential for success in evolving communication fields.
• Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies BS/ Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS: Gain the skills to apply a gender lens to government and policy impacts and formulate public policies fostering gender equity. Learn to manage developments in humanitarian crises, sustainability, economic trade, geopolitical stability, and technological advancements in medical practices.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education field, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. 

4+1 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development. 

RIT's women's, gender, and sexuality studies degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.