Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies

As a feminist, gender & sexuality studies major, you’ll have the opportunity to study a wide range of fields from the perspectives of feminist and LGBTQIA critical analysis, in a global context and with the purpose of promoting social justice. You’ll use the skills you learn in these classes to engage with such disciplines as anthropology, performing and media arts, English literature, Africana studies, comparative literature, Romance studies, music, Asian studies, industrial and labor relations (ILR), science and technology studies, sociology, government, history, history of art and many more.

Requirements

Want to start right away? Here are some basic requirements for students wanting to major in FGSS. Keep in mind this isn’t the complete list of formal requirement — that list can be found on the Courses of Study page.

The FGSS major requires a minimum of 36 credits in FGSS courses (9 courses), with three required courses:

  • FGSS 2010 Introduction to Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
  • FGSS 3000 Feminist Theory (formerly FGSS 2020 Intro to Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Theories)
  • FGSS 4000 Senior Seminar

And one course in each of the following three categories:

  • Global Perspectives: Africa, Asia, Latin America, or Middle East
  • Intersecting Structures of Oppression: Race, Ethnicity, and/ or Class
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Studies

Sample classes

  • Spoken Word, Hip-Hop Theatre and the Politics of Performance
  • Food, Gender, Culture
  • Intersection of Feminist Theory and Practice: Migrant Families in Detention
  • Sexual Politics of Religion

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive, rather they are a sampling of the data. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

What can you do with a degree in Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies (FGSS)? 

Graduate school: 

FGSS students pursued various advanced degrees like their JD and MA. Their graduate field interest ranges from law to education and Africana studies.

These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like Columbia University, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Vanderbilt University.

Employment: 

The majority of FGSS graduates entered sectors in law/legal services, education, and government.

Where 2022 FGSS Graduates Work

Employer Job Titles
CAMBA  Advocate Counselor
Korea UNESCO Global Peace Village English Instructor
Latham & Watkins Paralegal
Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP Legal Assistant
WarnerMedia News Associate