BA in Womens and Gender Studies in New York United States | Columbia University

The Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality, in collaboration with Barnard College's Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, offers a program that equips students with a multifaceted understanding of feminist scholarship across cultures and historical contexts. This curriculum explores feminist perspectives on nature, power dynamics, and how societal differences are constructed, while fostering critical engagement with ethical and political debates surrounding equality and justice. The program intentionally connects gender and sexuality studies with examinations of racial, ethnic, and other systemic hierarchies.

Students progress through a structured sequence of courses in women's, gender, and sexuality studies, complemented by essential humanities and social science coursework. This interdisciplinary approach provides robust methodological training and focused research opportunities in specialized areas. With small class sizes and personalized thesis mentorship, students receive both broad foundational knowledge and individualized attention. The program culminates in a thesis course where students conduct original research and produce sophisticated academic work.

Program graduates emerge exceptionally prepared for advanced academic pursuits in gender-related fields, as well as for professional paths in law, public service, social work, activism, media, and other fields requiring innovative interdisciplinary analysis.