Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Health, Society and Social Justice

Program description

The Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies is committed to social transformation. Representing a wide range of disciplines, faculty in the department produce and disseminate interdisciplinary feminist knowledge and theories, and view them as vitally connected to community engagement and activism. The department encourages students to understand gender and sexuality as inextricably bound to other forms of difference and to examine how the construction of difference produces and reinforces social, cultural, economic and political inequities.

Career opportunities

Students in the department are introduced to new analytical, theoretical and creative frameworks to enable them to understand, critique and transform themselves and the world around them. Through teaching, activism, scholarly and creative production and community engagement, the department provides analytical and critical tools to equip students for careers in a broad range of ﬁelds, including but not limited to non-profits/NGOs, social services, health care, art production, publishing, education, social justice, and law.

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies provides the background for students to understand, critique and transform themselves and the world around them. Through teaching, activism, scholarly and creative production and community engagement, the department provides analytical and critical tools to equip students for careers in a broad range of ﬁelds, including but not limited to non-profits/NGOs, social services, health care, art & media production, publishing, education, government and international development agencies, social justice, and law.

Change of major requirements

Email Melissa Siebert at siebertm2@vcu.edu to schedule an advising appointment to discuss the major.

Bachelor-level job titles

Clinical Research Coordinator
Fundraiser
High School Teacher
Human Resource Specialist
Marketing Research Specialist
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Social and Human Services Assistant
Social Science Research Assistant
Staff and Legislative Assistant
Technical Writer
Training & Development Specialist

Graduate and professional level job titles

Attorney
College Professor or Administrator
Nonprofit Director
Social Worker

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in health, society and social justice

Plan of study in Bulletin

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in health, society and social justice

Requirements

Highest level of math required

Quantitative Foundations requirement only

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies

Building/room location:

919 W. Franklin St.

Phone:

(804) 828-6710

Email:

gsws@vcu.edu

https://gsws.vcu.edu/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Complete UNIV 111 and GSWS 201.
Consider taking foreign language and math during the first year.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Attend the Women’s History Month.
Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Practice independent living skills (time management, self-care, & responsibility).

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Take GSWS 301 or 352 in Fall if possible.
Take BIOL 101 as a Science & Tech Gen Ed or an additional natural science, if needed.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Join a GSWS student organization.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Engage in an active process of career exploration via GSWS and Career Services.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
If there are specific topics courses you want to take (GSWS 391/491), talk to your advisor and find out when they will be offered.
Be aware of the perspectives requirements when selecting GSWS courses.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Design a community-engaged research project.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Prioritize taking a diversity/international perspectives GSWS course.
Join a cultural organization.
Commit to understanding intersectional social identities by volunteering and working on issues outside of your comfort zone.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Consider completing an independent study or internship (GSWS 492 or 493) that would serve as a career skill and career-building opportunity.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Sign up for your senior capstone (GSWS 401) and apply everything you've learned as a GSWS major.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Attend cultural graduation ceremonies.
Become a mentee in the OMSA Multicultural Connection Advisement Program.
Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Expand your network by attending career fairs on campus and joining alumni networks on social media.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies

College of Humanities and Sciences

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Complete UNIV 111 and GSWS 201. Consider taking foreign language and math during the first year.	Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community. Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities. Consider applying to the Honors College. Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests. Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.) Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Attend the Women’s History Month. Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.	Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services. Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app. Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones. Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage. Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Practice independent living skills (time management, self-care, & responsibility).
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Take GSWS 301 or 352 in Fall if possible. Take BIOL 101 as a Science & Tech Gen Ed or an additional natural science, if needed.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Join a GSWS student organization. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department. Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.	Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake. Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Engage in an active process of career exploration via GSWS and Career Services.	Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. If there are specific topics courses you want to take (GSWS 391/491), talk to your advisor and find out when they will be offered. Be aware of the perspectives requirements when selecting GSWS courses.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Design a community-engaged research project. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Attend a Wellness Resource Center program. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department. Prioritize taking a diversity/international perspectives GSWS course. Join a cultural organization. Commit to understanding intersectional social identities by volunteering and working on issues outside of your comfort zone.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Consider completing an independent study or internship (GSWS 492 or 493) that would serve as a career skill and career-building opportunity.	Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center. Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields.
Excel	Year 4	Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Sign up for your senior capstone (GSWS 401) and apply everything you've learned as a GSWS major.	Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field. Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Attend cultural graduation ceremonies. Become a mentee in the OMSA Multicultural Connection Advisement Program. Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.	Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Expand your network by attending career fairs on campus and joining alumni networks on social media.	Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey. Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.