Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Simmons was founded over a century ago for the purpose — radical at the time — of enabling women to earn their own livelihoods through access to education. Today, we continue that legacy in all that we do.
Face the world with confidence, competence and conviction
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies courses, whether taken as part of the major or to enrich another discipline, invite students to understand past and present experiences in order to prepare for challenges and opportunities in their future personal and professional lives.
Our students develop theoretical, empirical and methodological perspectives for studying the status and experiences of women. By considering gender in diverse national and international contexts, you'll study the multiple and contested meanings and roles of gender to develop an understanding of how gender is related to other social categories such as race, class, age, sexuality, religion and nationality.
Our students find fulfilling careers in management, law, academia, counseling, education, library, museum or archival work, as well as health care, social services, public administration, writing, publishing and the media.
Our Faculty
Tatiana M.F. Cruz
Assistant Professor and Interdisciplinary Program Director of Africana Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Kelly Hager
Associate Provost, Curriculum, Assessment, and Accreditation
Diane Grossman
Professor
Dawna Thomas
Professor and Chair of the Department of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Spotlight on Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Students and Alums
Celebrating a Safe Space for Survivors with the Peer Education and Support Group Betsy’s Friends
Julia Wilen ’24, a double major in Spanish and Women’s and Gender Studies, with a minor in Literature and Writing, began her work supporting survivors of violence before she came to Simmons and stayed involved throughout her time at the University.
Enjoying the Opportunities at Simmons: From Studying Abroad to Internships to Research
Political Science and Spanish double major Estela Raya-Fouts ’24 discusses impactful internships, catching the travel bug, her favorite course and more Simmons memories.
Trans & Non-Binary Living-Learning Communities at Simmons Offer Residential Support and Allyship on Campus
The Trans & Non-Binary Living-Learning Communities (LLC) are for students who identify anywhere within the transgender and non-binary spectrum, as well as active allies. We spoke to students, staff, and Resident Advisors about how the LLC supports trans undergraduate students on campus.
Sara Slager '23 Researches History of Reproductive Activism in Boston
When Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022, student Sara Slager — a double major in Education and Women's and Gender Studies — was in the middle of a research project on local reproductive rights activism. She spoke...
Taking Initiative: Gina Patterson '06 on Giving and Leadership at Boston Medical Center
As Boston Opportunity System (BOS) Collaborative Director at the Boston Medical Center, Patterson invests in local communities by bolstering the work of existing non-profits. Learn more about her work and how Simmons brought out the leader within.
Lola Getz '21 Seeks to Carry on Gwen Ifill's Legacy
Congratulations to Lola Getz '21, recipient of the Ifill Scholarship!