Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Program
A global Approach to Gender
and Sexuality
Challenging inequity through cross-disciplinary,
intersectional scholarship
Who We Are
The first graduate program in women’s studies in the United States, the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Program at GW University has been a leader in the field since 1972. Housed in the Columbian College, our offerings include undergraduate, graduate and combined degree options.
Known for our interdisciplinary, innovative approach, the WGSS Program bridges the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences through the study of topics relating to gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity and nationality.
Students analyze feminist theory and cross-cultural perspectives, examine historical trends and religious practices, explore policy and power structures and develop theories and methods for challenging inequality and re-imagining social justice. Beyond the classroom, students have access to unique networking events, research experiences and internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.
Join the Graduate Programs Open House: October 21–November 1
Registration is now open for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
The Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department will host a virtual information session for prospective graduate students on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 4:00 p.m. EDT. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
Our Commitments
WGSS at GW is fundamentally committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in learning. We believe strongly that a healthy society is one that is not afraid to look inward at its own history, to confront injustices and strive for accountability. We seek to create communities of learning where students with a range of experiences learn deeply about, and from, their differences.
"The decision to take on WGSS as a second major was the most importat moment of my undergraduate career. I am incredibly humbled to have learned from our department's wonderful professors and students in my last three semesters at GW."
Ragini Sharma
BA '21
News from WGSS
