B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, emphasizing critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and a robust liberal arts foundation. The college prides itself on a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, fostering a supportive learning environment where professors are dedicated to student success. The B.A. in Women & Gender Studies, for instance, is an interdisciplinary major and minor designed to equip students with a solid foundation in the issues and methodologies relevant to the study of women and gender. This program encourages students to critically examine women's experiences from historical and cultural perspectives, exploring the complex interplay of gender with class, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, and nationality.
Curriculum: The curriculum at Queens College is designed to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of their chosen fields while also fulfilling general education requirements. For the B.A. in Women & Gender Studies, the curriculum typically includes core courses like "Introduction to Women and Gender Studies" and "Theories of Feminism," alongside a research seminar and fieldwork opportunities. Students are also required to take distribution courses across three key areas: Women, Gender, and Scientific Inquiry; Women, Gender, and Cultural Traditions; and Women, Gender, and Society. These courses delve into topics such as human sexuality, gender representation in media, economics of class, race, and sex, and the history of women in the United States, offering a comprehensive and intersectional approach to gender studies. The program encourages students to utilize electives to pursue dual majors, minors, or internships, enhancing their academic and professional development.
Research Focus: Research is a core mission at Queens College, aiming to generate knowledge that advances society and enriches the student learning experience. The college actively supports faculty and student research through various initiatives. The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a prime example, immersing undergraduate students in meaningful, practical research experiences across disciplines under the guidance of faculty mentors. This program not only develops essential research skills but also culminates in a research symposium where students present their work. The Women & Gender Studies department specifically fosters research that explores and challenges issues of racism, capitalism, colonialism, (hetero)sexism, and ableism, centering marginalized voices and spanning local and global contexts. Faculty and students engage in scholarship directly applicable to social change, with research areas including activism, anti-colonial thought, anti-racist feminisms, globalization, and health studies, among others.
Industry Engagement: Queens College places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the workforce and further academic pursuits. While specific "industry engagement" might vary by program, the college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships (CEI) plays a crucial role. It provides a wealth of resources, including job and internship postings through HireQC, career workshops, resume and cover letter guidance, and career mapping. The CEI also offers an Internship Stipend Fund to support students undertaking unpaid internships in sectors like arts, education, public service, and non-profit organizations. For programs like Women & Gender Studies, fieldwork (internships) is an integral part of the curriculum, allowing students to gain practical experience and network within relevant organizations, which could include advocacy groups, non-profits, educational institutions, or social justice organizations.
Global Perspective: Queens College is deeply committed to international education, reflecting its location in "the World's Borough" of Queens, New York. QC Global, the college's international education hub, facilitates study abroad programs in over 24 countries, encouraging students to gain global competency through intercultural experiences. The Global Studies Minor further integrates global courses, language acquisition, and research into students' academic plans. For the Women & Gender Studies program, a global perspective is inherent in its curriculum, with courses like "Global Feminisms" exploring contemporary feminist issues from both Western and non-Western viewpoints. These courses delve into complex global topics such as religious fundamentalism, reproductive freedom, sex work and trafficking, and LGBTQ+ rights across diverse cultures, preparing students to engage with global challenges and diverse perspectives.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Women & Gender Studies from Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), are well-equipped to pursue diverse and impactful careers across various sectors. The interdisciplinary curriculum, combined with practical experience and a global perspective, prepares students for roles that advocate for social justice, equity, and human rights.
Social Worker: Social workers assist individuals and communities in overcoming challenges related to mental health, substance abuse, and family dynamics. Their work often involves advocating for marginalized groups, making a degree in Women & Gender Studies particularly valuable.
Human Rights Advocate: Professionals in this field work to protect and promote human rights globally. They may engage in policy analysis, grassroots organizing, or international advocacy, roles that require a deep understanding of gender, race, and social justice issues.
Public Policy Analyst: Policy analysts research and evaluate policies to inform decision-making. A background in Women & Gender Studies provides critical insights into how policies affect different genders and communities, enhancing the development of inclusive policies.
Nonprofit Program Coordinator: Working in nonprofit organizations, these professionals design and manage programs that address social issues such as gender-based violence, education, and health disparities. Their roles often involve community engagement and resource mobilization.
Gender Equity Consultant: Consultants advise organizations on best practices for promoting gender equity in the workplace. They may conduct training sessions, develop policies, and assess organizational structures to ensure inclusivity and fairness.
Community Outreach Coordinator: These coordinators develop and implement strategies to engage communities in various initiatives. Their work often focuses on empowering underrepresented groups and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Journalist or Media Specialist: Journalists with a focus on gender and social issues report on topics such as women's rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and gender-based violence. Their work raises awareness and informs public opinion on critical matters.
Legal Advocate or Paralegal: Legal professionals in this area support clients facing discrimination or seeking justice in cases related to gender and sexuality. They may work in areas like family law, civil rights, or immigration law.
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: These specialists develop and implement strategies to foster inclusive environments within organizations. Their work includes training, policy development, and creating support systems for diverse populations.
Academic Researcher or Educator: Graduates may pursue advanced degrees and careers in academia, conducting research on topics related to gender studies and teaching the next generation of students in this field.
