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Women's Studies


Career potential

This university-wide interdisciplinary program at the University of North Texas offers an academic exploration of women’s achievements, roles and experiences. Our women’s studies program provides a foundation for professional development in most careers and work environments. This minor can prepare you for work in:

  • counseling women
  • enforcing equal opportunity laws
  • working with rape and family abuse victims,
  • fields that are not directly focused on women’s issues, such as journalism, political science and teaching

You can pursue an undergraduate minor in women’s studies or a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in women’s studies. You will examine the ways that race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation and age affect female experiences. Course work provides varied theoretical and historical perspectives about women in such areas as family, literature, politics, Western thought and world cultures.

Courses are offered in departments such as anthropology, applied gerontology, art, communication studies, economics, English, history, journalism, political science, psychology, sociology and others. More than 30 faculty members regularly teach courses examining women’s roles, activities and experiences.

With the noticeable increase in women’s studies programs on national and global scales, we are committed to meeting the rising demand for women’s studies as an academic discipline. Our growing program is one of the more than 700 related programs in the country.

Completing the women's studies minor

You can design an individual course of study that suits your academic interests and needs. This minor will enhance the basic degree plan of any major.

A minor in women’s studies may be earned for the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing six courses:

  • Women and Society: An Introduction to Women’s Studies
  • Varieties of Feminist Thought
  • four additional courses not limited to:
    • Contemporary Issues in Global Feminisms
    • Biological Principles of Women’s Health
    • History of Black Women in America
    • Economics of Discrimination, Gender and Sexuality in Modern Europe
    • Psychological Dynamics of Women
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Latinas in and out of the Mainstream
    • Women in Culture
    • Women in Later Life
    • 19th-Century Women and Work

A list of approved courses can be found at www.wmst.unt.edu each semester.

In addition to attending classes in women’s studies, you will be encouraged to participate in public forums and discussions concerning relevant issues. The program regularly sponsors such forums.


Getting hands-on experience

Our women’s studies program offers a unique, mentor-oriented foundation that includes opportunities to complete internships and to conduct funded research in the field. Some study abroad possibilities may exist, such as our recent trip to Tunisia. Contact the program director for more information on any of these opportunities.


Preparing for UNT: High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program in high school.

In your junior year, take the SAT or the ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, submit your application for admission by March 1 (apply online at www.applytexas.org) and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT. For details, visit www.unt.edu/credit.


Preparing for UNT: Transfer students

As a benefit for transfer students, we participate in the Texas Common Course Numbering System. This system makes it easier to transfer credits for general academic courses from one Texas institution to another.

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our Transfer Articulation web page, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor/advisor to discuss your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you to a peer mentor and other valuable campus resources. Each year, we welcome more transfer students than any other institution in the state. The center is in the University Union, Room 320. More information is at transfercenter.unt.edu.


Charting your path with academic advising

The director of the women’s studies program will work with you to develop a class schedule that enhances your degree. The women’s studies office is in the General Academic Building, Room 467.

You can also utilize our new online degree audit system. This interactive tool can help you stay on track for graduation and prepare for advising appointments. You can monitor your progress 24/7, even viewing the impact of various majors. The system is easily accessible through my.unt.edu using the “my academics” link on the student center page.