Women and Gender Studies Oakland University

Overview

The Women and Gender Studies programme at Oakland University provides a rigorous academic foundation for students interested in the complexities of gender, race, and social class. This degree empowers individuals to challenge social dynamics and promote constructive attitudes within various professional and community environments.

This interdisciplinary course integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, ensuring that graduates possess highly marketable expertise. By examining how gender affects work, family, and politics, students gain the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to navigate and influence real-world institutions effectively.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive and collaborative, fostering a safe environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive.

Why Women and Gender Studies at Oakland University?

Oakland University offers a distinct advantage by combining academic theory with hands-on experience through mandatory field-based projects. Students engage in community service, activism, or research, ensuring they can apply their classroom learning to tangible social issues before they graduate.

The programme is noted for its exceptional academic flexibility, with elective courses making up half of the required credits. This allows students to tailor their education to specific interests, such as international trends, economic inequity, or political movements, while benefiting from an interdisciplinary teaching approach.

A significant highlight of the programme is the semester-long capstone project, which serves as a culmination of the student's academic journey. This project showcases their ability to conduct independent research, perform critical analysis, and deliver professional oral presentations to their peers and faculty.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 23867 per year
• National fee: USD 23867 per year
• Local fee: USD 16772 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 40 credits, including core requirements in feminist theory and analysis alongside a significant field experience. Modules may include:

• Feminist Theory
• Feminist Analysis
• LGBTQ+ Issues
• Gender Communication
• Women in Art
• Gender and International Relations
• Media and Gender
• Queer Theory
• African-American Women’s History
• Gender in China
• Gender Discrimination
• Cross-cultural Perspectives on Women
• Sociology of Gender
• Women, Crime, and Justice

Careers with Women and Gender Studies

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for the modern job market, where liberal arts skills such as creative problem-solving and information synthesis are in high demand. Alumni have successfully secured roles across various sectors including government, education, and the private sector.

Common career paths for graduates include leadership positions in non-profit organisations, social work, and political activism. The degree also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing careers in law, journalism, counselling, and higher education administration or further graduate-level research.

By cultivating a deep understanding of social dynamics and equity, the programme prepares students for roles that require sound analytical judgment and the ability to lead diverse teams. Graduates remain positioned to influence policy and drive positive change within their chosen industries.