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

85% employed or continuing education

55% employed after graduation

26% attending graduate school

4% volunteering

$36,509 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Crystal Finishing Systems, Courage Connection, Becker's Healthcare View All

Sample grad school destinations: DePaul University, College of Law, Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago 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 Guide

Graduation & Retention²

4.0 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

72% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $12,712
Fees: $4,928
Expenses: $18,222
Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

Tuition: $31,832
Fees: $4,928
Expenses:$18,562
Total: $55,322

International

Tuition: $34,280
Fees: $4,928
Expenses: $18,562
Total: $57,770

Related Majors

Anthropology - LAS

Psychology - LAS

Social Work - SSW

Sociology - LAS

¹ Due to insufficient survey results available for this particular program, post-graduation data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. 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. 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.