B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in Gender, Sexuality and Womens Studies
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The GSWS program at Lycoming College offers an interdisciplinary lens through which to explore identity, power, representation, and societal structures related to gender and sexuality. It draws upon resources from various departments including Anthropology-Sociology, Business Administration, Communications, Criminal Justice, Education, English, Film and Video Arts, Modern Languages and Literatures, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Religion. This breadth ensures students gain a holistic understanding of how gender and sexuality shape human experience. The program encourages students to connect feminist theories and research to real-world practice and policy, fostering advocacy and activism.
Curriculum: The GSWS curriculum at Lycoming is designed to provide a comprehensive and critical understanding of gender and sexuality. While specific course names may vary, core requirements typically include an introductory course like "Introduction to Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies" (WGSS 100), along with courses focusing on research methods and feminist theories (e.g., WGSS 200: Feminist Practices, Writing and Research, and WGSS 300: Feminist Perspectives and Theories). The program culminates in a Senior Seminar (WGSS 400), which often involves a significant research project. Students also select elective courses from across the various disciplines that contribute to GSWS, ensuring exposure to diverse perspectives on topics like histories, theories, representations; transnational and global perspectives; sexual and gendered pluralities; and intersectionalities, institutions, and power.
Research Focus: Research is a fundamental pillar of the GSWS program at Lycoming College. Students are actively encouraged and supported in pursuing new research on gender, sexuality, and women's studies in collaboration with faculty members. This involves everything from framing research questions and data collection to analysis, presentation, and write-up. Students have opportunities to present their research at local and national conferences, contributing to scholarly discourse in the field. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages students to integrate knowledge and methodologies from various fields in their research, fostering a rich and multifaceted approach to understanding complex social issues related to gender and sexuality.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly emphasizes practical industry engagement for its GSWS students. The program encourages students to complete internships that directly connect gender, sexuality, and women's studies with related areas of study. These internships provide invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations in non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, social service agencies, media outlets, or human resources departments. The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE) assists students in securing these vital opportunities. Furthermore, the program initiates and co-sponsors events with other campus departments and student organizations, providing networking opportunities and fostering connections with professionals and activists in the field.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is deeply embedded in Lycoming College's GSWS program. The curriculum explicitly addresses how gendered and sexualized differences shape power inequalities driven by transnational forces. Courses often explore global debates and challenges related to gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality across different cultures and societies. Students are encouraged to spend a semester abroad or participate in Lycoming's May Term travel courses, which can provide firsthand immersion in diverse cultural contexts and expose them to varying perspectives on gender and sexuality worldwide. This global focus prepares graduates to understand and address issues of gender and sexuality within an interconnected global context.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
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 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies (GSWS) from Lycoming College provides graduates with an exceptional and highly adaptable skill set for a rapidly evolving world.
Advocate / Activist (Non-profit or NGO): Graduates are well-suited to work for social justice organizations, human rights groups, or women's advocacy centers. They may focus on issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, or combating gender-based violence, engaging in policy advocacy, community organizing, and public education.
Social Worker / Counselor (with further training): The program provides a strong foundation for understanding diverse lived experiences and systemic inequalities. With a master's degree in social work or counseling, graduates can work with individuals, families, and communities, particularly those affected by gender and sexuality-related issues.
Human Resources Specialist / Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Professional: Many organizations seek professionals who can foster inclusive workplaces. Graduates can work in HR or dedicated DEI roles, developing policies, training programs, and initiatives that promote equity, address discrimination, and support diverse employee populations.
Policy Analyst / Researcher: Understanding the social, political, and economic dimensions of gender and sexuality, graduates can analyze public policies, conduct research on social issues, and propose evidence-based solutions for government agencies, think tanks, or research institutions.
Communications Specialist / Journalist (focused on social issues): With strong analytical and writing skills, graduates can work in media or communications, reporting on social justice issues, gender and sexuality topics, or developing communication strategies for advocacy campaigns.
Community Program Coordinator / Manager: Graduates can design, implement, and manage programs for community centers, non-profit organizations, or educational institutions that address specific needs of diverse populations, often with a focus on gender, youth, or family services.
Victim Advocate / Crisis Counselor: Specializing in understanding dynamics of power and abuse, graduates are well-prepared to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or hate crimes, guiding them through legal, medical, and emotional recovery processes.
Education and Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can develop and deliver educational workshops, training sessions, and public awareness campaigns on topics related to gender, sexuality, and social justice for schools, universities, or non-profit organizations.
Librarian / Archivist (with further study): For those interested in preserving knowledge and making it accessible, a GSWS degree provides a unique lens for curating collections, especially those related to women's history, LGBTQ+ studies, or social movements. A Master of Library Science (MLS) is typically required.
Higher Education Administrator / Student Affairs Professional: Graduates can work in university settings in roles focused on student diversity, equity centers, student support services, or admissions, leveraging their understanding of identity and inclusion to create supportive environments for students.
