BA in G&SS

Shape a New Era with Gender & Sexuality Studies

 

The G&SS major is not just a field of study; it is a commitment to social justice, equality, and creating a better world. It is a source of pride to be part of a field that challenges norms, amplifies marginalized voices, promotes collective action, and fosters empowerment and inclusivity.  

 

As you delve into the complexities of gender, gender identity and expression, sexuality, and other intersecting identities, you not only gain an insightful understanding of the world, but you also equip yourself with the tools necessary to effect change. You gain the knowledge and tools to advocate for social justice, making a meaningful impact to various professional fields, such as social work, policy analysis, research, education, and community development. 

Through your studies, you amplify the voices and experiences of women, queer individuals, and transgender individuals, and others, fostering a more inclusive society. You become a changemaker, working to dismantle systemic barriers and promote equality and liberation for all. 

G&SS offers a transformative educational experience, where personal growth and empathy flourish. You engage in critical self-reflection, challenging your own assumptions, biases, and privilege. This journey of self-discovery leads to a deeper understanding of social justice issues and equips you with the skills to effect positive change. 

Drawing knowledge from various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, and cultural studies, G&SS provides you with a well-rounded and nuanced perspective. This interdisciplinary approach enables you to navigate complex issues and approach them from multiple angles, making you a versatile and informed advocate. 

"I believe in the inclusive, brave, and transformational spaces created in G&SS. I am the educator and advocate that I am because of G&SS at NMSU. I was able to find my passion for knowing more about how our identities impact how we live in the world through their classes. Part of the beauty of G&SS is that their content can truly be relatable in any field of study. Everyone is impacted by the issues G&SS discuss in their courses at some point in time."

-Dae Romero (they/them)

G&SS Grad Minor Alum

College Assistant Professor

NMSU Department of Communication Studies

The Media, Art, and Culture Studies (MACS) concentration within Gender & Sexuality Studies offers an interdisciplinary exploration of media and artistic expressions and their roles in shaping social ideas about gender and sexuality. MACS uniquely fosters a transformative blend of critical inquiry, research-creation, and D.I.Y. methods. This concentration fosters critical evaluation of cultural artifacts, facilitating an understanding of their influence on societal norms. By merging gender and sexuality studies with this creative praxis, MACS cultivates the capacity for students to question conventional narratives and construct their own via media-making. MACS helps majors utilize their understanding of gender and sexuality studies to disrupt the status quo in creative expression and carve new pathways towards a more equitable society. 

Located just forty miles from the US-Mexico border, G&SS delivers an education deeply entrenched in transnational and transborder perspectives. The curriculum embodies a hemispheric approach, urging students to traverse intellectual and geographical borders as they examine the complex, interwoven tapestry of gender, gender identity & expression, and sexuality across global contexts. Moreover, transnational and hemispheric approaches foreground the interconnectedness of national and cultural identities, activisms, and practices across borders.

As a G&SS major, you contribute to building inclusive communities both within academic settings and society at large. You create safe and brave spaces, rethink oppressive and outdated paradigms, promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, and challenge discrimination and prejudice. Your efforts foster a sense of belonging and empower marginalized individuals and communities.

You embrace the opportunity to create a better world. You become part of a field that challenges norms, amplifies marginalized voices, and fosters creativity, empowerment, community, and inclusivity. Your passion and knowledge drive positive change in your personal and professional endeavors.

Degree requirements for this major can be completed in the traditional classroom setting, online, and through a combination of these methods or through NMSU Global. Many learners combine our degree with another major to double major and develop a more in-depth expertise.

Major with Pride and embark on a transformative educational journey that will shape not only your future but also the future of generations to come. Embrace the power of Gender & Sexuality Studies and be a catalyst for positive change in a world that needs your voice and your commitment to justice and equality.

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Majors: Advocacy & Leadership

G&SS Majors: Amplify, and Inspire. Embrace your role as G&SS major and unleash your potential to create a world that values difference, dismantles oppressive systems and attitudes, and fosters equities and justice for all. 

Bachelor of Arts (BA) majors in Gender & Sexuality Studies, though their numbers may be relatively small compared to some other majors, possess an immense capacity for impactful work and future contributions. G&SS majors are exceptional and unique individuals who bring a fresh perspective to the academic landscape. Their dedication to social justice make them well-equipped to lead efforts towards a more equitable and inclusive society

One of the key ways in which BA majors in Gender & Sexuality Studies make a significant impact is through their dedication to advocacy and social justice. They engage in critical analysis of systems of power and inequality, shedding light on the experiences of marginalized groups and championing the need for change. By exploring the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, and other identity categories, these students deepen their understanding of the complex social issues that shape our world. Their work helps create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the university and beyond.

My primary role now is mother to a son and daughter, both of whom benefit daily from my time studying G&SS. Our family talks about social justice and fights for our community, we prioritize gender equity, consent, body image and agency. 

-Megan Allard

G&SS Alum, 2009

Furthermore, the presence of G&SS majors enriches the learning experience for their classmates and the entire university community. They bring diverse perspectives, challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging critical thinking. Through their coursework, discussions, and research, they foster a culture of dialogue and reflection, pushing others to question their own assumptions and biases. This intellectual exchange contributes to a more holistic and well-rounded education for all students, helping to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community.

The impact of continued advocacy by BA majors in Gender & Sexuality Studies cannot be overstated. Their work extends beyond the classroom and into the larger society, where they actively challenge norms, promote understanding, and strive for justice. Whether through community outreach, grassroots organizing, or research and policy work, these students serve as catalysts for change. Their commitment to dismantling oppressive systems and creating spaces of inclusivity paves the way for a more equitable future.

Majors in Gender & Sexuality Studies are individuals whose work and practices have far-reaching effects on the university, their classmates, workplaces, and society at large. By embracing their unique perspectives and advocating for social justice, and feminist, queer, and trans frameworks, they shape the academic landscape, foster inclusive learning environments, and pave the way for a more equitable future. Their continued advocacy ensures that the transformative power of their studies will have lasting effects beyond their time as students.

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