Are you eager to explore the role that gender plays in the construction of identities and the social and political organization of society and culture? Our students unpack gender, race, sexuality, class and disability and the impact they have on our communities. Our cross-disciplinary program offers a vibrant and rigorous course of study in this important and growing field.
As you advance through the program, you'll find various opportunities for internships, awards and study abroad. Upon graduating, many students pursue graduate studies in fields such as law, social work or education. Others choose to skip the academic route and launch a career in a variety of public service or private industry roles, including health, counseling, government, community work, politics, business, social services, spiritual leadership, environment, media and the arts.
This program includes exploration of the following areas:
History of the varied and changing ways that societies have defined gender.
Theory of how Women’s Studies, Queer Studies and Gender Studies have developed.
Institutions and power, which examines how gender identity is constructed by social institutions such as education, the church, the family, public policy, law and the media.
Intersectionality of gender identities, which recognizes that gender cannot be studied in isolation from social structures and other identities.
What Sets Us Apart
We reflect the vitality of recent feminist, ethnic and queer scholarship.
We continue the tradition of studying women's intellectual, material, artistic and spiritual contributions throughout history and in today's world.
We promote the inclusion of gender and women's issues throughout DU's pedagogy and curriculum, through the offering of a major and a minor as well as other campus connections, activities and special events.
We promote civic engagement within DU and the wider community.
Degree Requirements
To major in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, students will need to complete 44 credits. These include required courses, participation in colloquium, electives and a capstone requirement.
For distinction in the major, you will need to write an honors thesis, maintain a major GPA of 3.25 and a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
We accept both the Common App and our own Pioneer App. The Common App is a universal application that can be sent to many schools, while the Pioneer App is only used by the University of Denver.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.