Print this page.About the Program
The University of South Carolina began awarding a Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies in 2000. The program offers more than forty courses, has nine core faculty members, and more than seventy affiliate faculty on the Columbia and other USC campuses. Women's and Gender Studies promotes understanding of the diverse array of women's experiences through a complete program of teaching, research, and service to the University, the local community, the state, and the nation. Our teaching, research, and service missions interweave as we create, share, and apply knowledge, skills, and values that promote the full participation of women in society. At the core of the work of Women's and Gender Studies are teaching and research at the University of South Carolina to address fundamental questions that drive examinations of the intersections of race, gender, ethnicity, and other dimension of inequality.
Career Opportunities
An undergraduate degree in Women's and Gender Studies provides an excellent foundation for a variety of careers. Many positions require some graduate study. Here are a few of the possibilities:
• teaching and research
• law and business
• state, federal, local, and private industries and agencies at all levels
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Arts and Sciences, you must meet all University admissions requirements, including (for freshmen) a completed application, non-refundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 academic units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. To remain in your degree program, you must make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree. In order to be eligible for graduation, you must meet all course requirements for your degree program, be in good standing, meet any departmental or program requirements, and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00.
Program of Study (120 hours)
Women's and Gender Studies' interdisciplinary curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Fifty-three to 62 hours of your degree requirements will consist of general education requirements, which are designed to provide you with a broad experience in the liberal arts and sciences and opportunities to develop intellectual skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, as well as competence in written and oral communication. WOST 111-Women in Culture, WOST 112-Women in Society, and WOST 113-Women and their Bodies in Health and Disease are counted required courses before beginning the major. A minimum of twenty-seven hours of approved major coursework is necessary to fulfill major requirements. A practicum is required. Detailed information about the program of study can for Women's and Gender Studies can be found on the Women's and Gender Studies undergraduate Web site.
Of Special Interest
The University of South Carolina's Women's and Gender Studies Program, with the commitment of its faculty affiliates, has launched the Women's Well-being Initiative to improve the overall well-being of South Carolina's women and girls by promoting an interdisciplinary, community-fostered program of research, education, and action. The Women's Studies Library has a small collection of "classic" women's studies books which are available for circulation. March is designated as Women's History Month, and events at USC include presentations, exhibitions, speakers, programs, and cultural events. Sponsored by more than 20 colleges and departments and coordinated through the Women's and Gender Studies program, the month-long celebration emphasizes the diversity of women in the University and in the community.