Skip to main content
Apply • Visit • Give

Graduate Minor in G&SS

Unleashing Possibilities, Inspiring Change

 

Digital Collage of a person holding an equal rights sign and the words Gender & Sexuality Studies has big degree energy

 

Embarking on a journey of higher education is an opportunity to expand one's horizons, challenge societal norms, and embrace diverse perspectives. In this regard, New Mexico State University offers an exceptional avenue for graduate students to foster a profound understanding of the complex interplay of gender and sexuality through a graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies. This interdisciplinary minor equips learners with invaluable knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a heightened awareness of social justice issues. By undertaking this transformative minor, graduate students can enrich their academic experience, broaden their career prospects, and contribute meaningfully to their fields of study in ways that challenge societal biases and promote understanding, acceptance, and equality for all individuals.

The graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies serves as a dynamic catalyst for personal growth and intellectual exploration. It provides students with a comprehensive framework to critically analyze the intricate ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, and other dimensions of social identity, including queer, trans, feminist, and LGBTQIA2S+ perspectives. Through engaging coursework, seminars, and opportunities in research and scholarly creative expression, graduate students will develop a nuanced understanding of the historical, cultural, and political contexts that shape gender and sexuality. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to examine how these factors influence various aspects of society, such as policy-making, healthcare, education, social norms, institutions, and cultural and media representation.

In addition to broadening students' perspectives, a graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies enhances their professional trajectory. In today's globalized world, employers increasingly value individuals with a comprehensive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By integrating this minor into their graduate studies, students acquire transferable skills such as critical thinking, research proficiency, leadership skills, and effective communication. These skills are highly sought-after in fields spanning academia, social work, human resources, public policy, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. The graduate minor provides a unique competitive edge, empowering students to address the challenges of an ever-changing and diverse society.

Had it not been for the relationships I built with professors and peers in Gender & Sexuality Studies, I likely would not have completed a BA, much less the Ph.D. that I celebrate today. G&SS professors equipped me with a new vocabulary and insights into the workings of power in our daily lives. I am an example of the lasting positive effects that Gender & Sexuality Studies has on a student long past graduation that reveals itself in civic responsibility, social justice work, and care for one’s community.

Karen Tellez-Trujillo, PhD (she/her/ella)

G&SS Alum

Assistant Professor

English & Modern Languages
Cal Poly Pomona

Furthermore, a graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies allows students to make a meaningful impact on their fields of study. Regardless of their primary discipline, the knowledge and perspectives gained through this minor enable students to approach their research and professional endeavors with a fresh lens. Graduates with an understanding of gender and sexuality dynamics are better equipped to challenge biases, break down barriers, and advocate for inclusive practices within their respective fields. By embracing this opportunity, graduate students at New Mexico State University can become change agents, creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

A graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies at New Mexico State University presents an exceptional opportunity for graduate students to deepen their understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding gender and sexuality. By undertaking this transformative journey, students not only enrich their academic experience but also enhance their career prospects and contribute to social justice initiatives. The knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained through this interdisciplinary program empower students to make a lasting impact in their fields of study and become catalysts for positive change in society. Embrace the transformative power of a graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies and embark on a journey of intellectual growth and advocacy.

Degree requirements for this major can be completed in the traditional classroom setting, through online course work, courses cross-listed with G&SS, and through a combination of these methods. 

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO CHECK OUT OUR SPRING 2025 COURSES

Learn More:

Master's Requirements

For Master's Degree learners at New Mexico State University, the graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies (G&SS) offers a focused curriculum that requires a total of 9 credit hours. These credits are earned t hrough upper-level GNDR courses, w ith the core required course being GNDR 571 Advanced Seminar in Feminist and Queer Theories.

9 credit hours (total) upper-level GNDR courses, including GNDR 571 Advanced Seminar in Feminist and Queer Theories 

Core Courses
Required Core Course  
GNDR 571 Advanced Seminar in Feminist & Queer Theories 3

The G&SS graduate minor provides an opportunity to delve into advanced topics and theories related to gender and sexuality. The 9 credit hours can be fulfilled by selecting from a range of upper-level GNDR courses, allowing students to tailor their minor to their specific interests and academic goals. Our courses in MACS: Media Arts and Cultural Studies specialize in transdiciplinary feminist, queer, and trans 20th and 21st century media arts and cultural studies (graphic narrative, film, digital storytelling, zines, popular culture & music). Both learners pursuing a MACS focus and those interested in simply taking such courses to expand their knowledge and methods are welcome.

By enrolling in GNDR 571 and other upper-level GNDR courses, students gain access to rigorous academic discussions, critical analysis, scholarly creative activity, and advanced scholarship in the field of gender and sexuality studies. This minor not only enhances their knowledge and critical thinking skills but also prepares them to engage with complex social issues and contribute to ongoing conversations in academia and beyond.

Overall, the G&SS graduate minor provides Master's Degree students at New Mexico State University with a focused and comprehensive study of gender and sexuality. With GNDR 571 as a core required course, students can explore advanced feminist and queer theories while selecting additional upper-level GNDR courses to complete the 9 credit hours required for the minor. This opportunity equips students with the expertise and critical perspectives necessary to navigate and contribute to the complex landscape of gender and sexuality studies.

 

Doctoral Requirements

For doctoral graduate students at New Mexico State University, the graduate minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies (GNDR) offers an exceptional opportunity to expand their academic horizons and engage in critical scholarship and scholarly creative activity. This relevant minor requires a total of 12 credit hours, with a focus on upper-level GNDR courses. The core required course for this minor is GNDR 571, the Advanced Seminar in Feminist and Queer Theories.

12 credit hours (total) upper-level GNDR courses, including GNDR 571 Advanced Seminar in Feminist and Queer Theories 

Course List
Required Core Course  
GNDR 571 Advanced Seminar in Feminist & Queer Theories 3

By pursuing the G&SS graduate minor, doctoral students can delve deeply into advanced topics and theories related to gender and sexuality. The 12 credit hours allow for an engaged exploration of the field, enabling students to develop a sophisticated understanding of women's, gender, and sexuality studies, including feminist, queer, and transgender frameworks, thus providing a rigorous intellectual framework and stimulating discussions that foster critical analysis and scholarly growth.

Through the selection of upper-level G&SS courses, students gain access to a wide range of specialized topics and methods, including social justice and the socio-political aspects of gender and sexuality.  MACS: Media Arts and Cultural Studies courses in G&SS specialize in transdiciplinary feminist, queer, and trans 20th and 21st century media arts and cultural studies (graphic narrative, film, digital storytelling, zines, popular culture & music). Both learners pursuing a MACS focus and those interested in simply taking such courses to expand their knowledge and methods are welcome.

This  trans- and interdisciplinary approach provides doctoral students with valuable tools to enrich their research and expand their scholarly perspectives. The G&SS graduate minor empowers students to contribute original insights and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields of study.

Beyond academic enrichment, the G&SS graduate minor offers doctoral students a competitive edge in their future careers. Employers increasingly value individuals with a comprehensive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By integrating the G&SS minor into their doctoral studies, students develop critical thinking skills, research proficiency, and a nuanced understanding of complex social issues. These transferable skills open doors to a wide range of professional opportunities, including academia, research institutes, policy-making organizations, arts and culture industries, and advocacy groups.

This graduate minor presents a compelling opportunity for doctoral graduate students at New Mexico State University to deepen their knowledge and engagement with gender and sexuality studies. With 12 credit hours dedicated to upper-level GNDR courses, including the core required course GNDR 571, doctoral learners can immerse themselves in advanced scholarship, creative activity, and critical dialogue. This minor not only enhances their research and scholarly pursuits but also equips them with the expertise and skills necessary to become leaders in addressing pressing social issues and fostering inclusive environments.

Embrace the transformative journey of the G&SS graduate minor and become a catalyst for positive change in academia and beyond.