Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Global Gender and Sexuality Studies University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Global Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Pennsylvania offers a rigorous academic framework for exploring transnational perspectives. Students engage with complex social structures to understand how gender and sexuality intersect with global political and cultural systems.

This concentration is specifically designed for those interested in queer approaches to scholarship across diverse fields. Participants often focus their research on areas such as global health policy, transnational literary critique, and modern approaches to queer studies within an international context. The curriculum encourages a deep dive into how identity functions across different borders and societies.

Why Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Global Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Pennsylvania?

The programme is housed within the prestigious School of Arts & Sciences, providing access to a vast network of interdisciplinary resources. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates various departments, ensuring a multifaceted education that draws on sociology, history, and political science to enrich the core study of gender.

The University of Pennsylvania fosters a distinctive teaching environment where students are encouraged to customise their learning journey. By selecting courses from at least two different departments for their concentration, learners gain a broad perspective on global issues, supported by expert faculty and extensive research facilities dedicated to social justice and equity.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 63204 per year
• National fee: USD 63204 per year
• Local fee: USD 63204 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 33 course units, including foundational subjects, concentration-specific choices, and a final capstone project. Modules may include:

• Gender and Society
• Sexuality Studies and Queer Theory
• GSWS Theory
• Global Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Feminist Studies
• Health and Disabilities
• LGBTQ Studies
• GSWS Honors Thesis Seminar

Students must also complete a range of elective courses and foundational approaches to satisfy the general education requirements of the College of Arts & Sciences. The capstone requirement ensures that every graduate has conducted original research or participated in an advanced seminar to synthesise their learning.

Careers with Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Global Gender and Sexuality Studies

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional paths in both the public and private sectors. The analytical skills gained through the study of global gender dynamics are highly applicable to roles in international non-governmental organisations, public policy, and social advocacy groups.

Many alumni pursue further academic study or careers in law, healthcare, and education, where an understanding of transnational queer and feminist theory is essential. The focus on global health and literary critique also opens doors to careers in international development, journalism, and cultural consultancy, where graduates apply their expertise to address systemic inequalities.