Gender and Women's Studies

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What is Gender and Women's Studies?

Gender and Women’s Studies explores, analyzes, and challenges the ways gender shapes people’s lives. In this major, you’ll learn how assumptions about gender difference influence many aspects of social and political life. You will learn about different forms of inequality in the workforce, education and scientific research. You’ll also analyze how race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and physical ability shape gender inequality. You’ll gain the skills to spark change and work for justice.

Career Options

Civil rights
Community health
Counseling
Law
Public policy
Social justice
Social work
Victim advocacy

Post-Graduation Success¹

93% employed or continuing education

52% employed after graduation

41% attending graduate school

Insufficient survey data is available for average starting annual income.

Sample employer destinations: University of Wyoming, Skokie Public Library, Remedies Renewing Lives, Guardian Angel Community Services, OMNI, Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault, Rush University, Brasserie by C&C, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Horizon Climbing View All

Sample grad school destinations: Washington University in St. Louis, University of Louisiana Monroe, Stony Brook University View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

95% returned for second year

76% graduated within 4 years

87% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Anthropology - LAS

Psychology - LAS

Social Work - SSW

Sociology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.