Women's Studies
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
What is Women's Studies?
In Miami's women studies program, you investigate how women's lives are affected not only by gender but also by race, class, age, sexuality, religion, and nationality. The program is interdisciplinary, so you can choose topics from many departments at Miami, including philosophy, religion, history, English, French, political science, sociology, social work, family studies, Black World Studies, and anthropology. Courses focus on the practices and theories of contemporary feminist research.
In women's studies at Miami, you'll find an active and supportive community, close interaction with faculty, opportunities to take on leadership roles, and an academic program that allows you to combine your interests in a variety of subjects.
What are the features of Miami's program?
Flexibility: Because most women's studies courses also count for credit in other majors, it's very easy to graduate in a timely manner with a double major in women's studies and another field.
Internships: The program encourages students to take a stand on social issues and actively work on them, making theory and practice come together. Faculty help students connect with internship opportunities in places such as women's shelters, health organizations, and rape crisis centers.
The Women's Center: The center collaborates on many projects with the Women's studies program and provides resources for students taking women's studies courses. The center provides educational programming and resources, including an extensive library. It serves as an advocate for women's concerns around issues such as campus climate, gender and learning, campus safety, and mentoring and professional development. The center also helps create a sense of community among women by serving as a centralized meeting place and informally as a place for students to gather.
Are there special admission requirements?
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
What courses would I take?
You choose from among three areas of focus or you may design your own focus area in consultation with a women's studies adviser. Because the requirements are flexible, you're encouraged to design a program to suit your needs and interests. You can also pursue a second major or minor. With faculty help, students have created study-abroad opportunities such as studying gender and environmental issues in Ghana, Brazil, and Kenya.
What can I do with this major?
A major in women's studies is very helpful for anyone who will be working with women or focusing on women's issues in fields such as health care (such as premed majors interested in ob/gyn), social work, nonprofit organizations, personnel, journalism, library and museum work, and teaching and administration.
Some students also choose a professional school in law, business, or medicine, or pursue a master's or Ph.D. in a wide variety of subjects, including political science, history, religion, sociology, psychology, art history, English, education, or other fields.
Who can I contact for more information?
For general information about Miami University, please contact:
Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo
For specific information on the Women's Studies major, please contact:
Women's Studies Program
126 MacMillan Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-4616
www.muohio.edu/womensstudies
