Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of British Columbia offers a degree program in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice. This program allows students to inquire into research and theories from the social sciences, humanities, science, education, and law, with a focus on diversity, equity, gender, race, sexuality, and community in a critical, intersectional feminist, and (post)colonial context.

Skills Developed

While studying Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice, students develop important skills, including:

• Applying analytical thinking to examine culture, politics, and public policy
• Examining problems and proposing solutions in consideration of local, national, and transnational perspectives
• Collaborating with, advocating for, and leading others to deepen understanding and engagement with the ways that systems of power and oppression shape how humans interact with each other and with broader society
• Communicating clearly, concisely, and critically about social justice issues
• Persuasive dialogues and arguments about gender, race, and sexuality

Career Possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields, including government or politics, non-profit, media, health or social services, human rights, law, human resources, education, and others. Some potential career paths include:

• Campaign manager
• Child and youth worker
• Child welfare policy analyst
• Communications manager
• Community development worker
• Consumer advisor
• Copywriter
• Creative, visual, and performing artist
• Crisis intervention and harm reduction
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant
• Employment counsellor
• Event planner
• Foreign service officer
• Fundraiser
• Gender equity advisor
• Government official
• Healthcare worker or researcher
• Human resources manager
• Human rights officer
• Immigration officer
• International development worker
• Journalist
• Labour organizer
• Labour relations mediator
• Lawyer
• Lobbyist
• Media relations manager
• Mental Health and Addictions worker
• News analyst
• Non-profit or NGO officer
• Policy advisor
• Political organizer
• Public affairs officer
• Public opinion interviewer
• Public relations specialist
• Social policy researcher
• Social Worker
• Speech writer
• Substance abuse worker
• Teacher or Professor

Program Engagement

Students can make the most of their program by engaging in various activities, such as:

• GRSJ Undergraduate Student Association: Meet other UBC students and alumni in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice through events and programs.
• The Pride Collective: Browse educational and social service resources and events related to sexual and gender diversity.
• Departmental events: Network with GRSJ students and faculty members at a variety of events.
• Departmental research opportunities: Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• GRSJ co-op success stories: Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
• Student-run journals: Read what others are researching or submit your own research for review.
• CiTR: Contribute to the broadcasting voice of UBC.
• UBC Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO): Get involved with prevention and response efforts across campus.
• UBC Women’s Centre: Find events, resources, and peer-led community support initiatives.
• Career equity support: Find career resources for students of colour, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students.
• Model United Nations Student Association at UBC: Collaborate with other students to propose resolutions to global issues through United Nations-style simulations.

Building Your Network

Employers often hire people they know, so it is essential to build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. Professional associations, such as:

• Association for Women’s Rights in Development
• Black Lives Matter Vancouver
• Canadian Civil Liberties Association
• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
• Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women
• Canadian Women’s Foundation
• Feminist Alliance for International Action
• International Studies Association
• Immigrant Services Society of BC
• Madre
• Minerva BC
• Mosaic
• National Congress of Black Women Foundation
• National Women’s Studies Association
• Pride At Work Canada
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
• UN Women
• West Coast Legal Action Education Fund
• What’s on Queer BC
• Women’s, Gender, and Social Justice Association
• WorkInCulture
• UBC Centre for Feminist Legal Studies can provide opportunities to meet people, learn about specific industries, and find job and volunteer opportunities.

Connecting with Alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice graduates on LinkedIn. Take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore, and consider reaching out for an informational interview.