A major in Gender and Women’s Studies in the Chicana/Latina Studies concentration combines a strong historical foundation with communications and critical analysis skills, and provides students with coursework in Chicana and Latina history, culture, literature, art, and current issues and dialogues, as well as familiarity with feminist theory, cultural production, social movements, and theories of sexuality. Graduates are prepared to pursue a wide variety of career paths either directly related to race and gender issues (such as activism, outreach, or policy) or to which they can apply a lens of gender, culture, and social systems (including education, journalism, legal services, and creative arts). This major is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in Gender and Women’s Studies, Mexican American or Latin American studies, literature, education, public health, geography, and many other fields.
Gender and Women’s Studies, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. Following are career possibilities that may most closely relate to this major. Many of the career areas and job titles below require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Activism
- Policy
- Education
- Outreach
- Legal services
- Health care
- Communications
- Arts promotion or sales
- Journalism
- Public relations
Sample Employers:
- Government agencies
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
- Magazines
- Websites
- Cultural centers
- Nonprofit agencies
- Activist organizations
- Political campaigns
- Clinics and hospitals
- Social service organizations
- Public relations firms
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Human Rights Advocate
|
$20,000 - $30,000
|
|
Nonprofit Grants Coordinator
|
$36,143 - $43,271
|
|
Antidiscrimination Worker
|
$20,000 - $50,000
|
|
Public Interest Advocate
|
$25,000 - $35,000
|
|
Community Organizer
|
$18,000 - $45,000
|
|
Student Activities Coordinator
|
$30,000 - $50,000
|
|
Academic News Director
|
$21,500 - $88,000
|
|
Secondary School Teacher
|
$35,000 - $53,200
|
|
Campaign Staff Worker
|
$20,000 - $50,000
|
|
Communications Director
|
$30,000 - $60,000
|
|
Labor Relations Specialist
|
$29,100 - $52,700
|
|
Human Services Worker
|
$17,900 - $27,280
|
|
Public Relations Specialist
|
$30,600 - $52,100
|
|
Magazine Feature Writer
|
$20,000 - $40,000
|
|
Gender or Ethnic Studies Instructor, Postsecondary
|
$36,000 - $68,000
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).