Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor

What you will study

Your coursework in the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor gives you the tools to understand our modern, multicultural society. 

Learn skills valued by employers that help you affect positive change and influence through classes such as:

• Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies: An introductory course to the field of GSS. 
• Sexuality, Identity and Social Action: Discuss contemporary issues of identity, power and cultural differences as they relate to sexuality studies.
• Intersections: Gender, Race, Class: Use sociology, history, political science and other fields to learn how race, class and sexuality shape our experiences of gender.
• Gender, Literature and Pop Culture: Examine pop culture through the way sexuality and gender are expressed in radio, movies, theater, music, television, comics and other media.
• Feminist and Queer Theories: Think critically about feminist and queer theories, especially how they relate to — and influence — social justice and activism.

At the end of each course, complete a final project that involves community outreach. Plan an event, lead a protest, host a film viewing, create a website or sponsor an activity that encourages community engagement on issues of gender and sexuality.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in the Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor

Participate in a number of extracurricular and experiential learning activities that show you how to create change in your communities.

• GSS Practicum: This new course allows a small group of dedicated GSS students the ability to plan their own curriculum for a semester. Students choose the theme, readings, and activist project to work on as a class.
• Internships: Get experience working at an advocacy group or organization in a role that addresses issues of gender and sexuality. Past students have interned at Planned Parenthood, Survival House, MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) and homeless centers, among other locations.
• Ambassador program: Join a selective group of top GSS students who get focused mentoring and support, help with degree and course planning and advisement on career goals. Participants also get a letter of recommendation to use for job and graduate school applications.
• Student life: Take part in related student organizations, such as the Gender and Sexuality Studies-sponsored Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) and PRISM (UCM’s LGBTQIA+ student group), events like #MeToo@UCM Speak Out and more opportunities with Safe Zone at UCM.

 

What can you do with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies from UCM?

The Gender and Sexuality Studies minor at the University of Central Missouri helps you stand out from other job candidates in any field you decide to build your career in. The contemporary and important issues covered in our courses show future employers that you value diversity and know how to talk about and work toward more inclusive communities. 

When you combine this minor with your primary major, you prepare yourself to enter careers in fields such as:

• Community health 
• Education
• Law
• Literature and creative writing
• Marriage and family counseling
• Nonprofit organization
• Safety and disaster management
• Sex therapy and education
• Student affairs and housing
• Victim advocacy

This minor also prepares you to continue your education in graduate school. In addition to attending the University of Central Missouri, past students have gone on to study at schools such as:

• University of Arizona
• University of Chicago
• Indiana University
• University of Missouri - St. Louis
• University of San Diego
• University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Jobs for Gender and Sexuality Studies minors

Use the interactive tool below to learn more about the jobs you’re prepared to do with the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor. You can also learn about projected job growth, earning potential and other key employment facts.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Gender and Sexuality Studies minor

We want college to be achievable for everyone. The University of Central Missouri offers numerous ways to make this minor and your bachelor’s degree affordable, including scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and loans. Work with a financial aid counselor to determine the best way for you to finance your education. Some majors also offer scholarships and tuition awards solely for their undergraduate students. Refer to your primary major’s program page to learn more about those opportunities.

In addition to university- and major-specific scholarships, some financial aid is available exclusively to Gender and Sexuality Studies minors, including:

• Harvey D. & Helen Cohen PFLAG-KC Scholarship for LGBT Students
• Pat Ashman Women’s Studies Scholarship

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

Explore programs related to gender and sexuality studies.   If you’re interested in the topics covered in the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor, you may want to check out these related programs. Gender and Sexuality Studies BS Africana Studies Minor Anthropology Minor Human Development and Family Science Minor Psychology Minor