About Gender Studies

Gender Studies explores the meaning of gender and how it influences the working of the world. This subject explores the disparity among the human intersections, sexuality and gender.

　　The historical, socio-economic and political aspects of gender, feminist and queer theory are studied along with masculinity studies. This subject can be studied at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

　　

Is Gender Studies right for me?

If you are a student who likes to take part in the betterment of society and are vocal about various social issues such as gender wage gaps, transphobia, sexism and racism, then gender studies may be a well-suited subject for you. People having qualities of determination, active listening, empathy, open-mindedness and compassion towards various members of the community are encouraged to pursue this subject as it teaches self-awareness and appreciation of the diversity of humanity.

　　

Gender Studies study options and costs

　　Students can start pursuing this subject by enrolling in a Bachelor’s of Arts in Gender Studies. The duration of the programme is around 4 years during which the students learn the basics about gendered representation, human identity, sexuality and how it impacts the human experiences. The course work comprises of introduction to gender, men and masculinity, feminism, gender-based trauma and violence, and queer theory coupled with its cultural and legal aspects. A research project will also be required which will be a culmination of the concepts learned throughout the years. The cost of a bachelor’s in Gender Studies is around $27,000 per year for out-of-state students.

　　After a bachelor’s degree, Gender Studies can be pursued at the master’s level as well. Its duration is usually 2 years. The course work includes the study of epistemology of gender, power structures, domination and oppression. Women and public policy, cross-cultural perspectives on gender and the history of feminism are also included in the course. A student’s graduate work will reach its end after they have submitted their thesis and research. The average cost of a master’s in Gender Studies costs around $4,100-6,200 for domestic students and $23,000-28,000 for international students.

　　Getting a doctoral degree (PhD) in Gender Studies is especially recommended for people who want to teach and become professors. The duration of the programme is 3 years if a student is enrolled full-time. Doctoral degrees are research-intensive. Research areas may include nationalism and sexuality, gender and urban development, feminist perspectives on family law and home, gender and sexuality in medieval and modern Europe, and queer cinema and literature. The tuition fee for a doctoral degree in Gender Studies in the UK is $28,800 per year.

　　

Future outlook

Students with a degree in Gender Studies can enter a wide array of professions based on their interests. They can become social workers whose projected employment growth is 12%. The social-justice focus of the degree can enable students to think best about how to channel their efforts through advocacy, hence, serving as a solid pre-law major. In fact, a respectable portion of Gender Studies graduates do pursue law later on. It enables pre-medical students to acquire a more well-rounded profile to set them apart from the usual applicants, especially if they plan to specialise in areas of medicine pertinent to women and gendered issues. Gender Studies can help groom students for a large number of occupations. Overall, the future outlook for Gender Studies is favourable.

　　

Career pathways for Gender Studies graduates

　　

Law Enforcement Officer

　　Gender Studies majors usually acquire relevant skills for the job, such as communication, analytical skills and problem-solving skills. These skills can be utilised in situations that require conflict resolution and negotiation. The average annual salary of a law enforcement officer is $66,020.

Crisis Counsellor

　　Crisis counsellors help people that have unexpectedly found themselves in distressing situations. Getting a Gender Studies education can help you gain the communication and problem-solving skills necessary for the role and offer you deep insight into the nature of some gender-specific crises. The average annual salary of a crisis counsellor is $55,477.

Social worker

　　A Gender Studies education can prepare you to become adept in treating people with various emotional, mental, behavioural and family issues. The average annual salary of a social worker is $60,184.

Psychologist

　　Psychologists study various psychological processes and behaviours by analysing how people interact with one another and with the environment they live in. A Gender Studies degree can help you gain insights into gender-specific traits and the nature of various inter-gender interactions. The average annual salary of a psychologist is $104,499.

Human Resources Manager

　　Human resource managers are responsible for managing the human resources department, which is involved in hiring and overseeing employees in a firm. A Gender Studies degree can help human resources managers to solve several workplace situations. The average annual salary of a human resource manager is $69,059 per year.