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Extended Learning

Online Bachelor of Arts in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Overview

Begin a transformative journey with our interdisciplinary bachelor's program in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). This degree-completion program invites you to critically analyze and deconstruct the roles of gender and sexuality in shaping societal norms. Engage in a deep exploration of how diverse individuals have influenced and shaped gender and sexuality across both historical and modern contexts. 

Our curriculum, grounded in intersectional feminism, examines how gender, sexuality and identity dimensions—including race, ethnicity, culture, class, nationality, religion and ability—interact to shape societal structures. This approach highlights the intricate complexities of individual experiences and the broader social fabric.

You will acquire insightful perspectives and understandings of diverse cultural and social backgrounds. The program equips you to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women and gender-diverse individuals in the economy, politics, arts, culture and society, both in the U.S. and globally.

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Application Coming Soon

New WGSS cohorts will begin in Fall 2025.

Application and document deadlines:

  • Applications are expected to open December 2024, check back for the specific application deadline

View application instructions.

Contact Admissions:

Questions? Email el.inquiry@csusm.edu or call (760) 750-4020.

Program Details

  • ADMISSION

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average in all transferable units attempted 
    • Successful completion of a minimum of 60 transferable units 
    • Successful completion of the following courses with a C- or better (12 units) 
      • Oral Communication (A1)
      • Written Communication (A2)
      • Critical Thinking (A3)
      • Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4)

    Recommended but not required prior to admission:

    • Completion of the CSU general education transfer requirements (for articulated classes, visit the Assist website).

    Please note: To be considered for admission you must reside in an approved state.

  • COSTS
    Cost Breakdown
    Semester Units* Subtotal**

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 1

    6 $2,520
    Fall Semester 1 - Block 2 9 $3,780
    Spring Semester 1 - Block 1 9 $3,780
    Spring Semester 1 - Block 2 9 $3,780
    Summer Semester 1 - Block 1 6 $2,520
    Summer Semester 1 - Block 2 6 $2,520
    Fall Semester 2 - Block 1 9 $3,780
    Fall Semester 2 - Block 2 6 $2,520
    Total 60 $25,200

    *Unit rate for this program is $420 (discounts available for active duty military, view details)

    **University semester fees not included. View complete breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals based on sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.

    Funding and Financial Aid

    • This program is eligible for financial aid
    • Visit the Extended Learning funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options
    • Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver)
    • Active-duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705
  • COURSE SEQUENCE

    Course Sequence

    Sample Schedule
    Semester Course (units)

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 1

    WGSS 101: Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (3)
    WGSS 201: Intro to LGBTQIA (3)

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 2 WGSS 205: Gender and Sexuality in Pop Culture and the Media
    WGSS 301: Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in Contemporary Societies (3)

    Choose one of the following courses (3):
    GBST 301: Constructing Global Identity (CC); or
    MLAN 391: Food, Culture, and Identities in French and Francophone Contexts (CC); or
    PSCI 465: Genocide and Crime Against Humanity; or
    LING 318: Language and Gender

    Spring Semester 1 - Block 1 WGSS 300-2: Women of Color Feminisms (3)
    WGSS 375: Feminist Activism (3)
    BIOL 327: Biology of Human Reproduction (3)
    Spring Semester 1 - Block 2 WGSS 407: The Politics of Sexualities (3)
    WGSS 330: Women as Leaders (3)
    SPAN for WGSS (3)
    Summer Semester 1 - Block 1 WGSS 380: Gender and Social Movements in the United States (3)
    WGSS 345: Gender and Violence (3)
    Summer Semester 1 - Block 2 WGSS 304: Ecofeminism (3)
    WGSS 450: Cinema and Gender (3)
    Fall Semester 2 - Block 1 WGSS 303: Education, Gender and Race (3)
    WGSS 405: Foundations of Feminist Theories (3)
    Choose one of the following courses (3):

    GBST 301: Constructing Global Identity (CC); or
    MLAN 391: Food, Culture, and Identities in French and
     Francophone Contexts (CC); or
    PSCI 465: Genocide and Crime Against Humanity; or
    LING 318: Language and Gender
     

    Fall Semester 2 - Block 2 WGSS 424: Women and Health (3)
    WGSS 490: Senior Seminar in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (3)

    Schedule is subject to change.

  • FAQ

    What vocations will the WGSS degree prepare me for? 

    Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies majors pursue careers and graduate education in many different fields. WGSS prepares students to meet the challenges of the 21st century and to become leaders in many different occupations, from business to education, community organizations to government agencies.   

    Our students have launched successful careers as lawyers, teachers, artists, community leaders, elected officials, business managers and other professionals. 

    What are the learning outcomes for the BA in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies? 

    Students who graduate with a B.A. in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies will be able to: 

    1. Critically analyze the historical and present-day construction of gender and sexuality.
    2. Recognize and explain women’s role in and contributions to the economy, politics, the arts, culture and society in the United States and around the world.
    3. Integrate the analysis of race and ethnicity, class, sexual identities, culture, religion, disabilities and geography into explanations of women, gender and power relations in the contemporary world.

    What is a cohort? 

    A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts tend to form a strong support system and professional network that benefit them during their degree program and beyond. 

    What does asynchronous mean? 

    An asynchronous course is an online class format that allows you to access course materials, such as lectures and assignments, at any time without having to attend live sessions. This flexibility enables you to manage your studies around other commitments. Interaction with instructors and classmates occurs through online platforms, ensuring a supportive learning environment. Deadlines are set to keep you on track, but how and when you meet these deadlines is up to you.  

    What is a degree-completion program?

    At CSUSM, our degree-completion programs are designed for individuals who have started but not finished their four-year undergraduate degrees. If you've accumulated at least 60 transferable units, you're eligible to pursue this coveted BA in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies offered by Cal State San Marcos.

    What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

    Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.


100% Online & Flexible

Our WGSS program is delivered entirely online with coursework, allowing you to study at times that best fit your schedule.

Accelerated Path to Degree

Achieve your bachelor's degree in just 16 months with continuous enrollment through fall, spring and summer sessions.

Cohort Model

Experience your educational journey alongside a consistent group of peers, and benefit from guaranteed classes from the program's start to its completion.

Access to Financial Aid

Students in the WGSS program qualify for financial aid, including grants that do not require repayment, making your educational goals more accessible.

 

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el.inquiry@csusm.edu

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