Women’s and gender studies examines how gender and other intersecting factors such as race, class, culture, sexuality and age have shaped the life experiences of women and men from diverse backgrounds. TU’s program analyzes how contemporary and historical dynamics impact women and men while exploring ways in which they seek equality.
TU’s interdisciplinary curriculum requirements provide students with analytical frameworks and methodological tools to understand life experiences, human interactions, and economic and social institutions.
By promoting awareness and knowledge of status-based oppression, interrelationships and ways in which historical civil rights movements have struggled for equality, TU seeks to change attitudes and practices that silence voices or devalue people’s choices and life experiences. Students may major or minor in women’s and gender studies or pursue a dual bachelor of arts/master of arts degree. All students must complete the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences core and general curriculum standards. Those who major in the program are required to complete at least 30 hours of coursework, 6 hours of women’s and gender studies classes and 24 hours of electives, followed by a capstone senior project. The minor includes 12 hours of program-related courses.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
Many women’s organizations hire experts in women’s and gender studies; and professionals in law, medicine, social work, teaching and counseling seek expertise in gender issues. Recent graduates have pursued jobs in diverse career settings such as AmeriCorps, Teach for America, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Counseling & Recovery Services of Oklahoma, U.S. Marine Corps and Tulsa Family & Children’s Services.