College of Letters and Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES

Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field where we study and question how gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, ability, and other identities to shape everyday lives, institutions, and global communities. Through a dynamic combination of coursework, internship opportunities, and community engagement, we empower students to become engaged and self-reflective agents of social justice. This field of study provides a variety of important skill sets and career opportunities, ranging from intercultural competence to dynamic critical thinking. Whether you take one class or choose a major, Women’s and Gender Studies will transform your perspective, turning you into a life-long learner with extensive experience in complex problem solving and analytical thinking.  

The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies offers a major, minor, and 3 different certificate options: Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate, LGBTQ* Studies Certificate, and Diversity Leadership Certificate.

As an interdisciplinary and global field informed by the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, Women’s and Gender Studies faculty bring expert knowledges to a wide range of social problems, situations and contexts. The Women’s and Gender Studies department works to support diversity efforts on campus, increase diversity awareness, and transform social and institutional practices well beyond its contributions to its own academic programs.

Our faculty

Academic programs

Donate


Contact us

Crista Lebens
She/her/hers
Department Chair and Professor

262-472-5269
Laurentide Hall 4221

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Jeanne Quevedo
She/Her/Hers
Department Assistant

262-472-1042
Laurentide Hall 4205

UW-Whitewater offers students a wide variety of scholarships, both through the university, individual colleges, and departments. The Department of Women's and Gender Studies has a number of scholarships and awards geared specifically toward our students, including:

  • Edie Thornton Scholarship
  • Dr. Ernella Hunziker Scholarship
  • Tom Affholder LGBT Leadership Award
  • Gender and LGBTQ Studies Scholarship

More information about these and other scholarships is available through the scholarship portal.

Explore scholarships

The Department of Women's and Gender Studies supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including Students Allied for a Green Earth (SAGE), IMPACT, CASIV, and Active Minds.

Explore student organizations

WGS Consortium
Pride Center

Explore our academic programs

A group of students cheer together outdoors.
Diversity Leadership Certificate (Undergraduate)
A person dances in front of a crowd by a fountain with fall trees in the background.
LGBTQ Studies Certificate (Undergraduate)
A student stands and holds a laptop while the faculty member looks on.
Women's and Gender Studies Major/Emphasis, Minor, Certificate (Undergraduate)
Certificate (Undergraduate)

The Diversity Leadership Certificate provides excellent preparation for living and working in a diverse society! Students engage in cross-disciplinary, in-depth diversity learning around issues of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and ability.

Certificate (Undergraduate)

The LGBTQ Studies certificate program is intended for students who would benefit from a thorough introduction to LGBTQ Studies from various disciplinary perspectives.

Major/Emphasis, Minor, Certificate (Undergraduate)

Understand how gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, ability and other identities to shape people’s everyday lives, institutions and global communities. The Women's and Gender Studies program works to help bridge differences and empower students to become self-reflective agents of social justice.

Donate

Your gift supports conversations, activism, and knowledge production in Gender and LGBTQ+ Studies at UWW. Donate today to uplift future scholars, advocates, and social justice changemakers in our community and beyond.

Icon of a graduation cap and a dollar sign. Scholarships for Women’s & Gender Studies students
Icon of a circle connecting people. Undergraduate research in Women’s and Gender Studies
Icon of a lightbulb. Student conference and internship support
Icon of a person speaking at a podium in front of a group. Speaker series with scholars and activists

How much money can make an impact?

Provide resources for a student-led advocacy or community building event

Provide resources for a student-led advocacy or community building event

$50

Aid student participation in a gender studies conference

Aid student participation in a gender studies conference

$100

Help support a community-based learning project

Help support a community-based learning project

$250

Fund an annual scholarship

Fund an annual scholarship

$500

Sponsor a feminist research or leadership award

Sponsor a feminist research or leadership award

$750

Host a prominent scholar or activist for a campus-wide event

Host a prominent scholar or activist for a campus-wide event

$1,000

Donate now to support the Department of Women's and Gender Studies at UW-Whitewater

If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc at 262-472-1105 or through email at foundation@uww.edu.