WGS Program Overview
The study of women has been part of the GVSU curriculum since 1973 when courses were taught in the College of Arts and Sciences and in William James College. The minor in Women's Studies was approved in 1986 and the first Women's Studies minor graduated in 1988. In 1997, the program was significantly expanded to include the study of gender. Women and Gender Studies became a major in 2006. In fall of 2013, a new minor in LGBTQ Studies was launched. With the study of sexuality added to curriculum, the program name was changed to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) in 2015. The WGS Department is housed in the Brooks School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Complete The WGS Minor Online
The WGS minor is now available in completely asynchronous, online format!
Students complete a minimum of 21 credits.
The minor pairs well with majors such as: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public and Nonprofit Administration, and Legal Studies.
The minor can help prepare students for careers in: health care, non-profits, government, law, higher education, business, journalism, and human services work with youth and adults.
Alumni and Friends of WGS
Campus Events
LGBTQ Foundations, Level III: Privilege, Power and Oppression
March 16, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
In the combined "Addressing Bias, Stereotypes, and Intersectionality" session, participants will delve into the complexities of bias and stereotypes that impact LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through...
Dr. Martin Luther King Commemoration Event - Rescheduled
March 18, 2026 10:00 AM
Please join the campus community in welcoming our MLK keynote speaker, Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. A native of Detroit, Johnson has served as NAACP president since 2017. ...
17th RT Panel Discussion - A Place to Turn: The Grand Rapids Women's Resource Center, 1973-2000 (INT 100/201 approved)
March 18, 2026 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
For more than 50 years the Women’s Resource Center has been a support for women seeking purpose and meaningful employment. This panel discussion will feature former staff and clients examining...
17th RT Keynote Address - Influencing 1776: How the Great Lakes Anishnaabek Helped Shape American History (INT 100/201 approved)
March 18, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Great Lakes tribal nations were instrumental in the eventual creation of the United States, through decades of warfare. From the French and Indian War to the War of 1812, Anishnaabek forces from...
We Fem the Past to Fem the Future: From Harriet Tubman to America's Founding Feminists (INT 100/201 approved)
March 19, 2026 1:00 PM
In celebration of Women's History Month, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and the Division of People, Equity, and Culture have partnered to bring Dr. Janell Hobson to campus on March 19th for...
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As part of our commitment to sustainability, WGS decided to highlight Chica Bean Coffee which empowers women through economic, educational, and practical support. Chica Bean coffee is produced and roasted by women using eco-friendly practices in rural Guatemala. Their practices allow them to deliver amazing coffee while the producers are paid just prices that benefit the entire community. Check out more about Chica Bean here!
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Continuing with our commitment to sustainability, we are also highlighting GentleDaisySoapCo which is a local, women-owned business. GentleDaisySoapCo produces handmade soaps, candles, and more. Check out more about GentleDaisySoapCo here!