What is a Minor?

A minor is a specific area of study a student pursues in addition to her/his major. A minor compliments the major, giving the student another area of expertise. Like a major, a minor may be taken to support a specific career direction or to develop competency and skills that will increase job choices following graduation.

What is a Concentration?

A concentration is a specific area of study a student pursues as a major within the Interdisciplinary Degree. A concentration gives the student an area of expertise that is treated like a major. Currently there are two path's a student can take within the Interdisciplinary degree: Two concentrations (21 hours each) or three concentrations (15 hours each). Want to know how to declare WGSS as your Interdisciplinary Concentration? Contact the WGSS Coordinator: Dr. A.J. Ramirez ajramirez@valdosta.edu for more information or check out the Interdisciplinary Degree page. 

 

Why Should I Get a Minor or Concentration?

  • To provide an ancillary area of specialization
  • To gain a deeper knowledge of a subject
  • To gain greater marketability after graduation (in job market or graduate school)
  • To do something completely different-to achieve a balance
  • To explore an area of intellectual or personal interest

Why a Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Minor or Concentration?

A Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies (WGSS) minor or concentration provides students with "a REAL Education for the REAL World." Sensitivity to and training in women's and gender issues are extremely useful in a practical sense. Our WGST courses provide students with a better understanding of the diversity of human thought, experience, and interaction which is easily transferred to the real world. An understanding of how gender affects both our perceptions and expectations of others makes students distinctive when they enter the job market or apply for graduate school. Employers and graduate schools are actively seeking candidates with an expertise in women and gender issues because they understand the positive value of diversity. There are many practical applications for the Women's and Gender Studies minor.

In addition to increasing students' employment and graduate school marketability, a minor in WGSS prepares students to be active citizens in their communities. Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies (WGSS) transforms the way students see the world and themselves in it. Students learn to challenge the status quo-including their own assumptions and to think more globally. A minor in WGSS promotes the development of a social awareness that enriches the student's life both professionally and personally.

Want to minor in Women's and Gender Studies? Click: WGSS Minor Declaration Form

Potential Career Applications:

  • Women's Health Educator
  • Public Policy Program Director
  • Media/News Journalist
  • Political Lobbyist
  • Advocate/Victim Assistance
  • Sexual Assault Service Prgm Coordinator
  • Case Worker
  • Attorney
  • Counselor/Therapist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Prevention Education Coordinator
  • Financial Advisor
  • Physician, OB/GYN
  • Domestic Violence Prevention Educator