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Gender Studies



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Major Related
Resources

Gender Studies Program
Memorial Hall East 130

Career Related
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Career Resource
Library

625 North Jordan Avenue
Phone: 855-0576
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Description of Major

Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary major which offers students an up-to-date, problem-oriented understanding of gender. Courses explore issues related to women and gender across academic disciplines. Students study the past and continuing evolution of masculinity and femininity. Gender Studies examines gender issues related to sexuality, the human body, race and class, business and politics, health, developing societies, artistic movements, academic institutions and knowledge, sports and leisure , law, the media, and many other areas.

Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study

The fundamental objectives of the B.A. in Gender Studies are: to train students to think critically about how gender has been formed and altered in different cultures, contexts, and historical eras; to equip students to identify and analyze assumptions about gender and to evaluate effects of such assumptions on research, teaching and professional profiles of the disciplines; to provide students with a solid understanding of the ways in which "gender issues" involve the study of women, men, families, work places, economics, laws, media, religion, etc.; and to develop students' skills in research, critical analysis, and written and verbal presentations.

Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major

Business, criminal justice, foreign languages, human development/family studies, journalism, political science, psychology, sociology, telecommunications.

Career Options

Careers Specific to the Bachelor's Degree

The gender studies major provides a background relevant to employment in a variety of occupations in the private sector, government, the professions, and the non-profit sector. Graduates can pursue occupations in human resource management, public re lations, advertising, the media; journalism, social work, law enforcement, welfare casework, and public administration.

Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's Degree

Business marketing and management, secondary teaching (with teaching license), some counseling positions.

Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree

Law, medicine, college-level teaching, psychological counseling, director-level administration in social services and human services fields.

Employment Opportunities

Job Outlook

The employment outlook for this major will vary according to the wide variety of possible career fields. Based on these career options, the outlook is generally very good, particularly with a willingness to be flexible regarding location.

Salary Information

Salary range varies by the different career fields in which a gender studies graduate may enter. See resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook at the IU Career Resource Library for more information.

Potential Career Growth

The potential for career growth in the fields related to gender studies is very good. Students may continue their studies in law or medicine. Growth may be unlimited in fields such as advertising and public relations. In business management and marketing, public administration, and human services, graduates may progress to director levels of administration.

Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this Major

About one-half of the gender studies majors pursue graduate education in gender or women's studies, law, library and information science, psychology, sociology, and public administration. Others work in the private sector in marketing and sales. Others work in the non-profit sector in museums, battered women's shelters, and advocacy organizations at the local, state and national level.

High School Preparation

Students will be well prepared for the major in gender studies by taking the high school courses required for admission to the university Extra course work in writing and the social sciences is highly recommended.

Special Opportunities

Here’s a sampling of courses offered or co-sponsored by the Department of Gender Studies: Sexual Politics, Cross Cultural Gender Formations, Sexuality and Popular Culture, Two Centuries of Feminist Thought, Knowledge and Sex, Representation and the Body, Technologies of Gender, International Feminist Debates, Gender and Scientific Epistemologies.

Noted Alumni

Not Available
Majors and Careers Series Spring 2000

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Created by Brian Smith, Dawn Bourbina, Ben Tesnar, and Stephen Grogg
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