WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES

wom·en’s stud·ies An academic curriculum focusing on the roles and contributions of women in fields such as literature, history, and social sciences.* *"women\'s studies." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Aug studies

gen·der stud·ies Gender studies is a field of interdisciplinary study which analyzes the phenomenon of gender. Gender Studies is sometimes related to studies of class, race, ethnicity, sexuality and location.* *“gender studies." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_studies 07 Aug

Women’s And Gender Studies Majors Study Historic and contemporary forces that determine status The role of gender in American and other cultures Analyze the media and other forms of communication Multicultural and global perspectives of women’s lives, presently and historically The impact of cultural, educational, familial, institutional, and political influences on women...and more

Women’s And Gender Studies At The University Of South Carolina Undergraduate OptionsGraduate Options Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Major: Women’s Studies Minor: Women’s Studies Graduate Certificate: interdisciplinary study which requires a total of 18 graduate credits within a six- year period in prescribed and elective courses

Women’s And Gender Studies Majors Develop Skills In Historical/comparative analysis Clarifying others’ thoughts and ideas Thinking critically Understanding oppression and discrimination Problem solving, conceptual, and analytical thinking Knowledge of social factors in communication Seeing connections Arguing logically/ independently Using effective verbal and written communication to convey facts, theories, and ideas

Employment Settings Business & Commerce: Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business & Commerce Account Executive Compensation/Benefits/ Job Analysis Specialist Coordinator of Women’s Services Community Organizer Corporate Communications Consultant Diversity Trainer Employee Relations Representative Equal Opportunity Officer Foundation Program Manager Human Rights Organizer Lawyer Marketing/Brand Management Representative Public Relations Specialist Staff Training Specialist

Employment Settings Writing, Editing, Publishing: Includes the areas of creativity, the precise use of language, and details. Further specialization may lead to writing your own works of fact of fantasy, proofing the quality and style of someone else’s writing, or managing the logistical and business side of writing.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Writing, Editing, & Publishing Critic Documentary Filmmaker Editor Features Writer Grant Writer Poet Publisher Speech Writer Writer

Employment Settings Public Service (Government &Non-Profit): May involve the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies/law and program offerings on the local, state, and national level as well as the support aspects associated with budgets, services, defense, infrastructure, etc. A women’s studies degree can prepare one for work in all levels of management, leadership, financial development, policy analysis, and civil service

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Public Service (Government & Non-profit) Anthropologist Diversity Trainer Equal Opportunity Officer Employee Relations Representative Legislative Affairs Representative Lobbyist Policy Analyst Program Coordinator Research Analyst Social Services Coordinator Staff Training Specialist Women’s Advocate

Employment Settings Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing. Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require appropriate certification.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education Academic Advisor Admissions Counselor College Faculty Curriculum Developer Diversity Trainer Education Administrator Educational Television Coordinator Guidance Counselor Health Educator Teacher Women’s History Researcher

Employment Settings Social Services: Includes among others counseling, social work, program management, public service, non-profit work, ministry, and positions in correctional facilities. Most ministry and counseling positions require the completion of a certification or advanced study program.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Social Services Case Worker Community Educator Community Organizer Coordinator of Women’s Services Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault Advocate Family Planning Advisor Family Service Counselor Health and Human Services Representative Human Rights Organizer Non-Profit Agency Director Probation Officer Refugee Coordinator Social Worker Teen Pregnancy Program Coordinator Victim Advocate Women’s Advocate Women’s Ministries Coordinator Youth Program Leader

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Pursue an excellent academic record Obtain part-time, summer, or internship work experience Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Psychology, business, education) Develop strong writing and speaking skills Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups Shadow the work of a professional

Books And Web Resources Books Women's studies graduates: the first generation by Barbara Luebke Women's rights internship book published by Career Education Institute Web Resources National Women’s Studies Association

Resources For More Information Department of Women’s Studies Career Center Library Related Websites CAS Career Development website

Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC Phone: (803) On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at