What is a Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies degree?

Gender and identity shape how we experience the world. Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies gives students the intellectual and practical tools for engaging with the ways gender and sexuality impact our lives – as employees, as citizens and individuals.

Why study Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Furman?

WGSS is about the world in which we live. Through a multidisciplinary approach among 13 academic departments, in addition to WGSS courses, explore the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, age, class, ability, sexuality and religious affiliation. Learn to apply theoretical concepts to understand and dismantle oppression from racism to sexism and homophobia to classism to religious intolerance. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.

How will you learn?

Participation in faculty-sponsored internships at local agencies that advocate for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, prostitution and addiction or in faculty-supervised research on a collaborative projects are essential components to WGSS. May Experience courses, such as “Sex Goes to School: Sex Education in the United States and Sweden” (study away) or “Sexual Revolutions in America” (on campus) provide additional opportunities for intellectually engaging experiences. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.

Featured Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies courses

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  • 100%
    Students who double major
  • 80%
    Students who participate in an engaged learning experience
  • 2019
    Year WGSS became a major

What our students say

“In every layer of society, there is this undercurrent fight for gender/sexuality equality – whether it’s studying history, working the job market, creating art or simply observing it in the current political climate. This is why I love WGSS. It has made me confident in pursuing my personal, academic and professional goals. WGSS isn’t just for radical feminists. It’s for anyone who wants to be an informed and productive member of society.”
– Riley Hughes ’22

Our faculty

Gretchen Braun

Associate Professor, English and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Kathleen Casey

Director, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program; Professor of History

Scott Henderson

William R. Kenan Jr. Professor, Education; Director of National and International Scholarships; Philosophy and History of Education

Veena Khandke

Adjunct Professor, Asian Studies

Cynthia King

Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence; Professor of Communication Studies

Savita Nair

Gordon Poteat Professor of Asian Studies and History

Nicholas Radel

Professor of English

Elizabeth Smith

Professor, Department of Politics and International Affairs; Assistant Faculty Director, The Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection

Marian Strobel

William Montgomery Burnett Professor, History
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Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Major F.A.Q.

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