Women's and Gender Studies

Get to Know the Program

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.

Today, 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.

Take your learning, and skills development, off campus and to the world.

Co-Op
Co-op is available!

Get Involved Outside of the Classroom

HANDS-ON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WGST SOCIETY RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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 enroll in the co-op program
Final Year
  • Choose to complete honours program
  • Earn your degree

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

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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
 

Continue Exploring

Want to know more about what's in store? You're invited to continue exploring this field of study by visiting the website of this department to get a greater insight into its culture and dynamics.

Visit Women's and Gender Studies

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