Programs in Women's and Gender Studies
Saint Louis University's women's and gender studies department is open to people of all genders. Courses focus on women and gender across a range of subjects in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as SLU's professional schools such as nursing, law and social work.
Undergraduate Major Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies at SLU must complete 30 credit hours. This includes 15 credit hours of required courses, including Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies, Feminism in Action, Feminist Theory or Feminist Philosophy, Research Strategies and a three-credit capstone course.
The remaining 15 credit hours can be drawn from a variety of cross-listed courses. Often these courses simultaneously fulfill requirements for the University's core curriculum and the women's and gender studies degree.
Undergraduate Minor Requirements
To complete SLU's minor in women's and gender studies, you must complete the three-credit hour Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies course and one of the following courses: Feminism in Action, Feminist Theory, Feminist Philosophy, Research Strategies or the WGS Capstone course.
The remaining 12 credit hours can be drawn from a variety of cross-listed courses. Often these courses simultaneously fulfill requirements for the University's core curriculum and the women's and gender studies minor.
Accelerated Bachelor to Master’s Program Requirements
The Women's and Gender Studies Accelerated Bachelor to Master's Program is not currently accepting new applicants.
Undergraduates at Saint Louis University can complete our accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program by taking six credit hours in graduate courses in their senior year that count for both the bachelor’s and master’s requirements. At the end of the program, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies.
Women's and Gender Studies, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
The post-baccalaureate certificate in women's and gender studies at Saint Louis University is designed to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn a graduate credential in the field through part-time study.
The certificate provides professional development opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise on issues relating to women, gender and sexuality. The program offers an interdisciplinary education about contemporary social justice issues, preparing students for leadership and advocacy roles. It is particularly suited for working professionals employed in areas such as education, business, government, student services, social services, advocacy, and the nonprofit arena. Eligible applicants are those who will have completed an undergraduate degree before beginning the program and who will not otherwise be enrolled in a SLU degree program.
Graduate Program Requirements
The Women's and Gender Studies M.A. program is not currently accepting new applicants.
SLU’s Master of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies requires completion of 30 credit hours. Graduate work will develop your ability to analyze social inequality and advanced theory in gender studies.
Students gain strong research and writing skills, as well as the knowledge that will enable them to communicate with diverse audiences, inspire social action and develop initiatives for change. Students will develop a curriculum plan for their area of specialization and a capstone project in consultation with the director of graduate studies.
Dual J.D./M.A. Graduate Program Requirements
The Women's and Gender Studies Dual J.D./M.A. Graduate Program is not currently accepting new applicants.
Our dual J.D./M.A. program provides students with a rigorous, interdisciplinary and critical study of law, gender and social justice. While taking courses through both the Saint Louis University School of Law and the women's and gender studies program, students develop research projects that focus on how law and legal policies intersect with gendered social institutions and practices. By pursuing both degrees concurrently, students acquire a broader context for thinking critically about and advocating for gender equality in law and policy.
The program is designed to be completed in four years. Students choose 18 credit hours (six courses) that count simultaneously toward both degrees. Examples of courses include Gender and Culture, Sexuality and the Law, Employment Discrimination, Family Law, Disability Law, and Critical Race Theory.
Graduate Minor Requirements
SLU’s graduate minor in women’s and gender studies requires nine credit hours, including Feminist Theories and Feminist Epistemologies, along with one other cross-listed course.