M.B.A. in Accounting
DePaul University, situated in the heart of Chicago, offers a distinguished Master of B...
B.A. in Womens and Gender Studies
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan, April & Sept
Program Overview
The B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies at DePaul University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding gender and its intersections with race, class, sexuality, and other social identities. The program is rooted in feminist theories and methodologies, encouraging students to critically engage with social issues related to power, inequality, and social justice. This degree prepares students to analyze and address gender-based challenges in diverse fields, including policy, education, media, and activism. Graduates emerge with the tools to challenge societal norms and advocate for equity and inclusion in both local and global contexts.
Curriculum: The Women's and Gender Studies curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary roles of women, gender, and sexuality in society. Core courses include introductions to feminist theory, gender studies, and research methods. Students are also encouraged to take electives in related disciplines such as sociology, history, literature, and political science. Topics covered range from gender and health, global feminist movements, queer theory, and the politics of reproduction. The program’s interdisciplinary nature allows students to explore a wide range of social, political, and cultural issues through the lens of gender analysis.
Research Focus: Research in the Women's and Gender Studies program at DePaul University emphasizes the study of gender inequalities, feminist activism, and intersectionality. Students are encouraged to conduct research on topics such as women’s rights, LGBTQ+ issues, gender and race relations, and gender-based violence. Faculty members, who are experts in various feminist fields, mentor students in developing their own research projects that address contemporary societal challenges. Research opportunities are often linked to real-world applications, allowing students to present their findings at conferences or in academic journals, further preparing them for careers in advocacy, education, and policy development.
Industry Engagement: The Women's and Gender Studies program at DePaul University fosters strong connections with local and national organizations dedicated to social justice, gender equity, and advocacy. Through internships, service-learning projects, and partnerships with nonprofits and governmental agencies, students gain hands-on experience in the field. Chicago, as a major metropolitan hub, provides numerous opportunities for students to work with organizations that focus on women's rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, human rights, and domestic violence prevention. Guest lectures, workshops, and panel discussions from leading industry professionals further enhance students’ understanding of how their studies apply in practical settings.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies incorporates a global perspective by exploring how gender issues manifest in different cultural and geographical contexts. Courses cover topics such as transnational feminism, global gender politics, and the impact of globalization on women's rights. Students have opportunities to participate in study abroad programs where they can engage with international feminist movements, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and gender equity initiatives in countries around the world. This global outlook prepares graduates to think critically about the impact of gender on international development, human rights, and global inequality.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 43665
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
DePaul University is dedicated to supporting the academic aspirations of international students. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make education more accessible.
International Student Scholarships: DePaul University provides merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships consider academic achievements, test scores, and other criteria.
Global Gateway Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for undergraduate international students who transfer from specific partner institutions to DePaul. They help facilitate a smooth transition.
Dean's Merit-Based Scholarships: DePaul's colleges and schools offer dean's merit-based scholarships to international students within their respective programs. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements and contributions.
International Experience Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate students planning to participate in study abroad programs. It provides financial support to students seeking to gain global perspectives.
Vincent G. Rinn Family Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students with financial need. It helps cover tuition costs and promote diversity within the DePaul community.
Donor-Funded Scholarships: DePaul University administers a range of donor-funded scholarships, some of which are available to international students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.
Athletic Scholarships: DePaul offers athletic scholarships for international student-athletes who excel in various sports. These scholarships may cover tuition and related expenses.
External Scholarships: DePaul encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and in the United States.
It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines can vary among programs and departments at DePaul University.
A B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies from DePaul University prepares students for a wide range of career paths, particularly in fields that focus on social justice, advocacy, education, and public policy. With its interdisciplinary approach, this degree equips graduates with critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly valuable in numerous industries.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Work: Graduates often pursue careers in nonprofit organizations that focus on issues like women's rights, gender equity, LGBTQ+ advocacy, human rights, and social justice. Positions in program management, fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach are common. Nonprofits offer opportunities to work on campaigns, policy initiatives, and grassroots movements aimed at creating social change.
Public Policy Analyst: Many graduates work as public policy analysts, focusing on gender-related policies at local, national, and international levels. They research, evaluate, and develop policies related to gender equality, women's rights, and social justice. These professionals often work with government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups to inform and shape policy decisions.
Social Worker: With additional training or certification, graduates can become social workers specializing in gender-related issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or family counseling. Social workers in these areas provide support, resources, and counseling to individuals and families while working closely with legal systems, shelters, and social service agencies.
Educator: Graduates may choose careers in education, teaching courses related to gender studies, feminism, or social justice at the high school or college level. Many also pursue further education to become professors or academic researchers specializing in gender studies, helping shape the next generation's understanding of these critical issues.
Journalist/Writer: Those with strong communication skills may enter journalism or freelance writing, focusing on gender issues, women's rights, or LGBTQ+ topics. As media outlets increasingly cover topics like gender inequality, feminism, and social justice, graduates can find opportunities to report, write columns, or create content that highlights these areas.
Human Resources Specialist: Graduates can find roles in human resources, where they focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within organizations. These professionals help shape company policies that promote gender equality, prevent workplace harassment, and foster inclusive environments. They may also lead training programs aimed at educating employees about diversity and gender-related issues.
Law and Legal Advocacy: Many Women's and Gender Studies graduates continue to law school to specialize in gender law, family law, or human rights law. In these roles, they advocate for gender equality, represent clients in gender discrimination cases, and work on legal reforms related to women's rights, sexual harassment, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Public Relations/Communications: Graduates can work in public relations and communications for organizations that promote gender equity or social justice. These professionals craft messaging strategies, manage media relations, and oversee campaigns that advocate for gender-related issues, bringing visibility to critical causes and helping shape public opinion.
Health Educator/Policy Consultant: Women's and Gender Studies graduates often work in health education, focusing on topics such as reproductive health, gender-based violence, and sexual health. They work for public health organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to create educational programs and policies that address health inequities related to gender.
Counselor or Advocate: Many graduates work as counselors or advocates in crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, or sexual assault resource centers. These roles involve providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to individuals affected by gender-based violence or discrimination. Counselors may also advocate for stronger legal protections and support systems for survivors.
Community Organizer: Graduates may pursue careers in community organizing, working to mobilize groups around issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, or LGBTQ+ rights. Community organizers build networks, create campaigns, and advocate for policy changes that address gender-based injustices at the local, state, or national level.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant: Many businesses and organizations hire DEI consultants to help them build more inclusive workplaces. Graduates with expertise in gender studies can work as consultants, guiding companies on how to address issues of diversity, equality, and fairness in the workplace, especially related to gender.
