We recognize that the problem is unjust systems, not individuals, that the personal is political, and that sexism and heteronormativity intersect with other forms of oppression such as racism, classism and ableism. Our work centers the experiences of marginalized groups including people of color and those who are women, trans, queer, non binary, disabled, poor, and/or undocumented, among others.
Our mission is to empower students to reimagine our future and work toward liberation for all our communities. WGS is not just about learning facts and theories, but also about praxis—using our knowledge to become practitioners, researchers, learners, leaders and activists. We work together to create an environment of learning and passionate commitment to the development and implementation of meaningful social change within the university and beyond.
Careers
The bachelor's degree emphasizes the value of diversity, relationships and coalition building, preparing graduates to listen, to communicate across differences in background and viewpoint to respond openly to change. These are all skills that will allow you to pursue successful careers in many fields: teaching and school administration; social services; law enforcement; counseling; community organizations; communication; business and marketing; human resources and management; services and hospitality industries; and in healthcare fields such as nursing, medicine, pharmacy and administration.
For more information, visit Northeastern's Career Development Center and the National Women’s Studies Association.
A Major and Two Minors
We offer a major in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and two minors—one in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and one in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Studies (LGBTQ Studies). To declare a major or minor, contact WGS Coordinator Kristen Over at k-over@neiu.edu or (773) 442-5833, or WGS Advisor Laurie Fuller at ls-fuller@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4552, or stop by the WGS office in Room LWH 2096.
Pictured above are WGS Students at the 2018 Chicago Women's March (left to right with graduation dates): Bri Wylie (2018), Aidé Hernandez (2018), Helen Toledo (2017), Leslie Toledo (2020), Mo Anderson (2019), Brandon Naugle (2021), Rachael Waldon (2019).
