What you will study
Your coursework in the Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor gives you the tools to understand our modern, multicultural society.
Learn skills valued by employers that help you affect positive change and influence
through classes such as:
- Feminist and Queer Theories: Think critically about feminist and queer theories, especially
how they relate to — and influence — social justice and activism.
- Gender, Literature and Pop Culture: Examine pop culture through the way sexuality
and gender are expressed in radio, movies, theater, music, television, comics and
other media.
- Intersections: Gender, Race, Class: Use sociology, history, political science and
other fields to learn how race, class and sexuality shape our experiences of gender.
- Sexuality, Identity and Social Action: Discuss contemporary issues of identity, power
and cultural differences as they relate to sexuality studies.
- Women’s Voices: Explore the gendered viewpoints of writers, filmmakers and activists.
At the end of each course, complete a final project that involves community outreach.
Plan an event, lead a protest, host a film viewing, create a website or sponsor an
activity that encourages community engagement on issues of gender and sexuality.
Excellence in Gender and Sexuality Studies
- The Gender and Sexuality Studies minor has been offered at the University of Central
Missouri since 1985. It’s one of the longest-running programs of its kind in the state.
- UCM's minor offered in Gender and Sexuality Studies provides diversity, equity and
inclusion (DEI) training and education that’s highly sought-after by employers.
Unique learning opportunities in the Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor
Participate in a number of extracurricular and experiential learning activities that
show you how to create change in your communities.
- GSS Practicum: This new course allows a small group of dedicated GSS students the ability to plan
their own curriculum for a semester. Students choose the theme, readings, and activist
project to work on as a class.
- Internships: Get experience working at an advocacy group or organization in a role that addresses
issues of gender and sexuality. Past students have interned at Planned Parenthood,
Survival House, MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) and homeless
centers, among other locations.
- Ambassador program: Join a selective group of top GSS students who get focused mentoring and support,
help with degree and course planning and advisement on career goals. Participants
also get a letter of recommendation to use for job and graduate school applications.
- Student life: Take part in related student organizations, such as the Gender and Sexuality Studies-sponsored Sexuality and Gender Alliance
(SAGA) and PRISM (UCM’s LGBTQIA+ student group), events like #MeToo@UCM Speak Out and more opportunities with Safe Zone at UCM.
What can you do with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies from UCM?
The Gender and Sexuality Studies minor at the University of Central Missouri helps
you stand out from other job candidates in any field you decide to build your career
in. The contemporary and important issues covered in our courses show future employers
that you value diversity and know how to talk about and work toward more inclusive
communities.
When you combine the this minor with your primary major, you prepare yourself to enter
careers in fields such as:
- Community health
- Education
- Law
- Literature and creative writing
- Marriage and family counseling
- Nonprofit organization
- Safety and disaster management
- Sex therapy and education
- Student affairs and housing
- Victim advocacy
This minor also prepares you to continue your education in graduate school. In addition
to attending the University of Central Missouri, past students have gone on to study
at schools such as:
- University of Arizona
- University of Chicago
- Indiana University
- University of Missouri - St. Louis
- University of San Diego
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Jobs for Gender and Sexuality Studies minors
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about the jobs you’re prepared to do
with the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor. You can also learn about projected job
growth, earning potential and other key employment facts.
Financial assistance options for your Gender and Sexuality Studies minor
We want college to be achievable for everyone. The University of Central Missouri
offers numerous ways to make this minor and your bachelor’s degree affordable, including
scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and loans. Work with a financial aid
counselor to determine the best way for you to finance your education. Some majors also offer scholarships and tuition awards solely for their undergraduate
students. Refer to your primary major’s program page to learn more about those opportunities.
In addition to university- and major-specific scholarships, some financial aid is
available exclusively to Gender and Sexuality Studies minors, including:
- Harvey D. & Helen Cohen PFLAG-KC Scholarship for LGBT Students
- Pat Ashman Women’s Studies Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Program Faculty Member, Dr. Sarah Ray Rondot
Expert in trans* studies and feminist theory
Dr. Rondot has authored an encyclopedia entry and has been published in industry journals
on trans* methodologies. She brings that expertise and her research interests in queer
studies, LGBTQIA+ politics and identity, gender-based violence, reality TV, disability
studies and more to her classes and mentorships.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Morgan S.
BSW ’18, GSS Minor
“GSS gave me the necessary competencies to work with special populations in social
work such as the LGBTQ+ population and women who may have experienced trauma or abuse.”
Why Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies?
Focused on interdisciplinary and contemporary issues
Discover the benefits of a Gender and Sexuality Studies minor. Learn more about course
topics, how to earn credits toward both your major, this minor and more.
Meet Scout M.
BS Sociology ’18, GSS Minor
“I use my skills and knowledge from GSS in my career in a multitude of ways: class
discussions, working with diverse students, evaluation and assessment of departmental
procedures and more. GSS has helped me evaluate student needs, identities and backgrounds
to ensure that I am helping the student in a holistic perspective as much as possible.”
Meet Brooke G.
BS Communication Studies ’20, GSS Minor
“GSS is always on my mind when it comes to shaping my classroom, and I am mindful
to be inclusive and sensitive. I make sure my students know my pronouns and have them
tell me their preferred pronouns. Because of this, I have become a safe space for
a lot of students.”
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