Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Women's and Gender Studies

When you choose Women's and Gender Studies, you will learn how gender operates in the world. You will explore how gender and sexuality expectations have organized social habits. You will discover how to create new ways of doing things.

Get to know the program

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The Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) program at Acadia invites you to explore how gender shapes our world and the systems around us. You’ll examine social justice, culture, education, sexuality, literature, psychology, history, science, and politics through a critical lens, learning to question assumptions and imagine alternatives. Students dive into theoretical frameworks, institutions, ideologies, languages, and cultures while exploring feminist perspectives and practices that challenge the status quo.  T

oday, Acadia’s WGST stands out for its 60 interdisciplinary courses, including Black Women and Politics, Gender and Race: The Changing Face of Workplace Politics, and Environmental Justice and Equity. You can also explore Women in Science, the only interfaculty course of its kind in Canada, or courses like Children’s Literature and Feminism and Popular Culture, perfect for those intrigued by Anne of Green Gables or pop culture. The program collaborates with WISE Acadia (Women in Science and Engineering) to promote a STEAM-based approach—connecting science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

We offer the following program options: Major, Double Major, Major with Honours, Double Major with Honours, and Minor.

Sample Courses

Explore how gender shapes the world around us, from feminist theory and queer studies to global women’s experiences.

WGST 3023
Feminist Theory

WGST 2403 and 3403
Gender and Sexuality

WGST 3803
Queer Studies

WGST 4913
Women of the African Diaspora

WGST 4923
Contemporary Feminist Issues

Career Options After Graduation

A degree in Women’s and Gender Studies opens doors to careers that advance equity, challenge norms, and put your ideas into action.

  • Engineer
  • Environmental educator, analyst, or policy advisor
  • IT specialist in progressive organizations
  • Lawyer (women’s rights, human rights, or family law)
  • University or college professor and researcher
  • NGO project manager
  • Scientist
  • Social worker or counsellor
  • Government researcher advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Elementary or high school teacher
 

Degree Timeline

First Year

  • Take required introductory courses
  • Join clubs and get involved on campus and within the program

Middle Years

  • Opportunity to become a teaching or research assistant
  • Connect with faculty about summer research
  • Option to enrol in the co-op program

Final Year

  • Choose to complete honours program
  • Earn your degree

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Visit the Women's and Gender Studies website

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