Gender & Women’s Studies
Expand your knowledge and understanding of the human experience.
The Gender & Women’s Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program that crosses traditional academic boundaries, pedagogical perspectives and student experiences. The program offers a comprehensive study for students interested in the construction of gender, femininity, masculinity, sexuality and intersectionality. Affiliated faculty offer exciting courses across all disciplines analyzing social and cultural relations through the lens of Gender & Women’s Studies.
A minor in Gender & Women’s Studies complements any major by expanding students’ knowledge and understanding of the human experience and what it means to be gendered. Students who minor in GWST will be well prepared for careers in the arts, educations, communication, politics, law, business, health, human services, counseling, community advocacy and affirmative action programs.
Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
Title IX Information
For information about “Sexual Misconduct,” visit our website policies section.
Declaring a Minor
Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor. Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.
Incoming students should not indicate their intended minor on their Shenandoah application. Applications are for intended majors only.
A minor in Gender & Women’s Studies complements any major by expanding your knowledge and understanding of the human experience, preparing you for a career in the arts, education, communication, politics, law, business, health, human services, counseling, community advocacy and affirmative action programs.
Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Courses Required for the Gender and Women’s Studies Minor
SOC 312 Social Class and Inequality 3 SOC 315 Gender Issues 3 Total 18
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| GWST 100 | Gender Issues Across Perspectives | 3 |
| GWST 320 | Interdisciplinary Seminar in Gender and Women’s Studies | 3 |
| Four of the following three-credit courses | ||
| GWST/ FILM 200 | Images of Women in American Film | 3 |
| GWST 301 | Theories of Gender | 3 |
| GWST/ MCOM 322 | History of Gender in Advertising | 3 |
| GWST/CJ 335 | Women and Crime | 3 |
| GWST/ PH 350 | Women’s Health | 3 |
| GWST 400 | SpecialTopics in Gender and Women’s Studies | 3 |
| GWST 410 | Supervised Individualized Study | 3 |
| GWST/ PSY 425 | Psychology, Gender and Culture | 3 |
| GWST/ REL 341 | Sex and Gender in Religion | 3 |
| GWST 420 | Women and the Holocaust | 3 |
| MCOM 361 | Gender and Communication | 3 |
| MCOM/ FILM 461 | Gender, Sport, Media and Film | 3 |
| SOC 251 | Marriage and the Family | 3 |
| SOC 312 | Social Class and Inequality | 3 |
| SOC 315 | Gender Issues | 3 |
| Total 18 | ||
I enjoy the smaller classes because I feel heard and my professors always ensure that I am on track and feel supported. There are so many options and paths to take with choosing classes that the opportunities are endless!”
Isabella Morello ’21 | Public Health major with Health Communications and Gender & Women’s Studies minors
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