Program Overview

Global Gender Studies

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Global Gender and Sexuality Studies

Major

Global Gender Studies BA

Minors

• Global Gender Studies Minor
  • Sexuality Studies Minor
  • Religion and Gender Studies Minor

What will I learn?

You will learn so much about different perspectives, deconstruct what you have been taught your entire life and gain the ability to critically analyze the world around you. Here, you'll typically take classes that focus on feminist theory, intersectional analysis of global citizenship and public policy, and the role of gender and sexual identities in shaping art, literature and culture in an atmosphere that one student described as, "uplifting and empowering and safe."

What can I do outside of class?

Make connections, make friends and make a difference.

• Internships. Students intern with the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women and other organizations, where you can help design public policies as you serve the community and gain experience.
• Study abroad. See firsthand how gender and sexuality exist in other cultures around the world.
• Student groups and events. Join a community (including groups for people interested in gender and sexuality) and take part in social justice initiatives on campus and throughout Buffalo.
• Research. Work with faculty as they study gender inequality and work to address it.

What can I do with a global gender studies degree?

As more organizations focus on social justice, equity and gender issues, you’ll likely find opportunities at government agencies, nonprofit institutions and large companies. For example, your career might include working for a women’s rights organization, developing policies for a health care system, or improving inclusion at a school or media company. Your career options may include:

• Biographer
• Business manager
• Career counselor
• Community service agency director
• Community outreach coordinator
• Communications specialist
• Diversity and inclusion specialist
• Health policy planner
• Human rights advocate
• Human service worker
• Investment counselor
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Legal advocate
• Medical doctor
• Nurse practitioner
• Market research analyst
• Public relations specialist
• Public health educator
• Social worker
• Teacher
• Union organizer

Many of our students also go to graduate school to get an advanced degree in education, gender and women’s studies, law, public policy or other areas.

Who will I learn from?

Within the Department of Global Gender and Sexuality Studies, you'll find faculty who are known around the world for their research and scholarship. They have authored books, written articles, presented at conferences, organized workshops and reviewed journal articles for leading publications. These are just a few of the reasons why their work has appeared in the "New York Times," Associated Press, NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Fresh Air," and other media outlets.

Our faculty members are also exceptional teachers and mentors, building and fostering a strong community, and helping guide students throughout their time at UB. In addition to learning from professors within our department, students often take classes with faculty throughout the university, including experts in topics such as literary criticism, Indigenous studies, geography, history, music, law and other relevant subjects.