Undergraduate Major and Minors
Why Study WGSS
The program offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate major in WGSS, a minor in Women's Studies and a minor in LGBT Studies. The major involves five required courses generated by WGSS, and five approved, cross-listed electives. The minors involve Intro courses generated by WGSS, and minoring students then take 5 electives which may be drawn from WGSS, the humanities, fine arts, and social and health sciences (check with Advisors on distribution requirements). Typically fifteen to twenty-five undergraduate courses are offered each semester. Topics Include: Gender, Society & Feminist Theory; Sexuality and Queer Theory; Gender in Transnational Perspective; Intersectionalities: Race, Class, Age, Disability, Sexuality & Gender; Health Aspects of Human Sexuality, Sociology of Gender, Psychology of Gender, Women in Politics, Sexuality and Society, US Women's History since 1840, Feminist Philosophy, Women Writers, Gender and Film, and Women in Latin America, Gay and Lesbian Literature, Sociology of Family, Gender and Media, etc. The undergraduate minors are open to all students regardless of major.
The program takes an intersectional, multidisciplinary and transnational approach to critically assess existing hierarchies, inequalities, and forms of privilege, in the past and present. We challenge students to understand how categories of gender, sexuality, race, class, dis/ability, and citizenship have shaped not only their own lives but also the lives of people in their communities and around the world.
Outline of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Major
A major in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies consists of 30 hours of approved courses (WGSS 2350 or 2360 + 27 additional advanced hours).The 27 advanced hours must include:
either WGSS 3350 or 3360, or approved alternative;
either WGSS 3321 or 3322, or approved alternative;
WGSS 4350;
WGSS 4360;
& 5 approved electives.
At least 21 of the 30 hours must be taken in residence. A maximum of 9 semester hours of approved transfer substitutes will be accepted toward the major. A minimum grade of C (2.00) is required for a course to count toward the major, and a minimum 2.00 grade point average is required for the major.
Click here to download the degree plan for the WGSS Major.
Outline of Women's Studies Minor
The critical perspective of WGSS establishes gender as a fundamental category of social and cultural analysis, linking gender with class, race, ethnicity and sexual identity to analyze the diversity of women's experience. The University of Houston's WGSS Program seeks to provide equal opportunities and is open to all students without regard to sex, race, color, religion, sexual identity, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status. The University is committed through the WGSS Program to bringing its expertise to the analysis and investigation of women's roles, problems, needs, history and contributions to humankind.
The WOST Minor is housed within the Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (624 AH).
Click here to download the degree plan for the WOST Minor.
Outline of LGBT Minor
The LGBT Studies minor at the University of Houston recognizes the scholarly importance of LGBT people and their contribution to politics and theory. It offers students a rich interdisciplinary framework in which to understand and critically examine this dynamic academic field. This minor allows students to question and analyze the complex roles and implications of sexuality, gender and sexual identity. In a world where LGBT people are more visible and prominent than ever before, having a strong background in LGBT history, literature, culture and theory is an increasingly valuable part of any education. The LGBT Studies Minor is pivotal in the mission of the University of Houston to promote diversity and equality.
The LGBT minor is housed within the Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (624 AH) and is administered by Dr. Guillermo de los Reyes.
Click here to download the degree plan for the LGBT Minor.
How to Apply for the Major and Minors
Individuals interested in a Major or Minor in WGSS or LGBT Studies can contact Bobbie Sue Schindler at bschindler@uh.edu or schedule a virtual appointment through Navigate.Link to Courses
View a full list of regularly and currently offered courses.
Petitioning a Course for Approval
Courses that are not-crosslisted but deal with over 50% women or gender in topics, assignments, and readings may be petitioned for credit for the major or minor. Adhere to the following process:
1. Print a “General Petition” from the Academic Forms website.
2. Fill in sections A and B of the petition completely.
3. Have your professor sign section C.
4. Attach a course syllabus to the completed and signed petition and email it to WGSS advisor Bobbie Sue Schindler at bschindler@uh.edu.
5. WGSS advisor will complete the remaining steps and contact you when the process is finished.
NOTE: Apart from our Intro courses, only courses 3000 level or above count to the major or minor.
Link to Scholarships
WGSS also has a number of scholarships that are available only to to WGSS majors and minors.