Why Study Women, Gender and Sexuality?

For 40 years, our programs have helped students at NIU develop a better understanding of the role of gender and sexuality in society, economics, and culture.

We take pride in the fact that our students are active in programs and activities in every college and many centers and student organizations across the university. They provide leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, being active in student organizations and campus activities, and publishing or giving papers at professional conferences. After they graduate, they go on to careers in teaching, law, public service, business, health care and other fields.

Our faculty and staff teach Women’s and Gender and LGBTQ+ Studies classes, advise students, offer related campus activities, and serve the public with their extensive knowledge and research. We energize the campus with an array of lectures, panels, and other events related to women’s, gender and sexuality studies. We offer networking and support for faculty members as well.  We partner with others to promote diversity on campus, and we have close links with such units as  Gender and Sexuality Resource Center , the  Presidential Commission on Sexuality and Gender Identity , and the  Presidential Commission on the Status of Women .

What Can You Do with a Background in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies?  

A background in Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies will benefit you both personally and professionally, because:  

  • Employers value the critical thinking skills, research skills, and in-depth knowledge of diversity issues that you will gain in our courses.
  • Our courses emphasize social justice, global awareness and an appreciation for human diversity, which are important to living in a global society.
  • Students become more self-aware, community-minded and expand their social circles through involvement in our programs. 

Our students have successfully gone on to pursue a wide variety of career paths, including but not limited to:  

  • Business Director for a non-profit organization
  • Civil Rights attorney
  • College/university professor
  • Communications Director for a child abuse prevention organization
  • Director of Training at a global executive search firm
  • Diversity and Inclusion administrator
  • Editor of a magazine
  • Entrepreneur
  • Founder of a historical tour company
  • High school teacher
  • Counselor
  • LGBTQ+ social services provider
  • Manager for a marketing firm
  • Nurse
  • Sexual violence prevention specialist
  • Web application designer and developer

Contact Us

Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality
Reavis Hall, Room 103
DeKalb, IL 60115

Phone: 815-753-1038
Email: wgs@niu.edu

Membership

National Women's Studies Association

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