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in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Women's Studies?
Women's Studies is a dynamic, multidisciplinary program that investigates how women's lives are affected not only by gender but also by race, class, age, sexuality, religion, and nationality. Courses are organized around contemporary feminist research and theory, but in Women's Studies, theory and practice come together. The major offers an optional internship component in order to encourage social activism and give students the opportunity to explore career options. With a women's studies degree in hand, students have gone on to professional and graduate schools as well as careers in business, law, counseling, activism, education, politics, public service, writing, publishing and the media.
In Women's Studies, students find an active and supportive community, close interaction with faculty, opportunities to take on leadership roles, and an academic program that allows them to cross the traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Interests
Women's Studies contributes to a liberal arts education by enhancing students' understanding of women's history, experiences, and modes of expression, as well as the ways women and men respond to cultural assumptions about gender. Students begin to understand how cultural institutions such as government, law, school, church, business and science operate through power hierarchies based on sex, race, social class, sexuality and other kinds of difference. They are also encouraged to learn about and practice activist responses to current conditions in the academy and the community. Women's Studies enables students to think through the personal, academic, and work-related issues they confront regularly, and to imagine ways of transforming their worlds.
Competencies
- Human Relations
- Awareness of gender, race and other differences
Sensitivity to people and problems
Understanding and interpreting global cultures
Listening to others' thoughts and ideas - Project Development/Research
- Designing projects
Organizing ideas/materials
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Observing people
Planning and administering programs
Perceiving patterns and structures
Evaluating projects and plans - Communication
- Speaking to groups
Writing clearly and creatively
Critiquing and evaluating
Issues/problems/ events
Reading and understanding ideas - Thinking Critically/Creatively
- Analyzing cultural events and texts
Testing and exploring ideas in discussion with others
Problem posing/problem solving
Developing new agendas for old problems
Connecting with communities
Opportunities - Careers
- Government
- Women's issues coordinator
Public information coordinator
Census/survey work
Peace Corps volunteer - Health and Human Services
- Women's issues advocate
Social worker
Women's health advocate
Non-governmental agencies worker
Youth counselor
Volunteer services coordinator
Community planning specialist
Women's programming
Health care practitioner specializing in women's/girls' health - Research/Preservation
- Exhibit preparation coordinator
Librarian
Conservator
Research associate - Communications/Journalism
- Public opinion analyst
Researcher/technical adviser
Editor
Journalist - Business/Industry
- Personnel officer
Market research analyst
Sales/marketing representative
Organizational planner
Management trainee
Consultant, cultural resource manager
Arts council director
Foundation administrator
Environmental consultant - Education
- Teacher
Resource consultant
School administrator
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students may continue their education in Women's Studies at the Master's or Ph.D. level, as part of their graduate program in a professional school in law, business or medicine, or a disciplinary graduate program in political science, history, religious studies, sociology, social work, psychology, art history, music, family studies, journalism, English, education, languages or other fields.
Opportunities - Experiential
The following activist possibilities are available: summer and/or part-time work with government agencies, law offices, women's advocacy programs, historical associations and foundations, research institutions, museums, art galleries, and community cultural programs, public archives and libraries, publishing companies, newspapers, magazines, theatrical or musical organizations; involvement in Women's Studies Awareness programs, Women's Advocacy programs, and participation on planning committees for Women's HerStory Month.
Sources of Additional Information
- Office of Women's Studies (126 MacMillan Hall, 529-5333)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.