A major in Gender and Women’s Studies in the Sexualities and Queer Studies concentration combines a strong historical foundation with communications and critical analysis skills, and provides students with knowledge of queer theory; LGBT culture, literature, and current issues and dialogues; as well as familiarity with feminist theory, cultural production, social movements, and race theory. Graduates are prepared to pursue a wide variety of career paths either directly related to gender and sexuality issues (such as activism, outreach, or policy) or to which they can apply a lens of gender, sexuality, 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, queer/sexuality studies, literature, law, 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
- Legal services
- Outreach
- Education
- Policy
- Journalism
- Social services
- Health care
- Arts promotion or sales
- Human resources
Sample Employers:
- Nonprofit agencies
- Colleges and universities
- Magazines and newspapers
- Websites
- Activist organizations
- Political campaigns
- Clinics and hospitals
- Social service organizations
- Bookstores
- Publishing houses
- Businesses and corporations
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Mediator
|
$30,600 - $55,800
|
|
Campaign Staff Worker
|
$20,000 - $50,000
|
|
Policy Analyst
|
$30,000 - $93,000
|
|
Volunteer Coordinator
|
$26,191 - $35,230
|
|
Student Activities Coordinator
|
$30,000 - $50,000
|
|
Program Officer, Foundation
|
$40,000 - $80,000
|
|
Human Rights Activist
|
$20,000 - $30,000
|
|
Magazine Feature Writer
|
$20,000 - $40,000
|
|
Antidiscrimination Worker
|
$20,000 - $50,000
|
|
Human Services Worker
|
$17,900 - $27,280
|
|
Community Organizer
|
$18,000 - $45,000
|
|
Victim Advocate
|
$25,000 - $55,000
|
|
Human Resources Assistant
|
$25,000 - $40,000
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).