Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies

Hours: 24 On-Campus/Clinical Experience

About

A Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies at Fort Hays State University allows students to examine how gender and sexuality influence the behavior of individuals, groups, and organizations. This program uses a multidisciplinary approach to explore how beliefs, values, norms, and laws are associated with identity, power, and inequality across local, national, and global contexts through 18 required credit hours and six elective credit hours.

Classes are offered both online and on campus, providing flexibility as students pursue this minor. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including gender roles, masculinity, LGBTQ+ history, and the sociology of sexualities. Students benefit from the guidance of faculty who are active in cutting-edge research and bring extensive experience in inclusive, engaging, and impactful teaching.

Why pursue a Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies at Fort Hays State University?

The Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies offers a unique opportunity to explore gender, sexuality, and social issues through a multidisciplinary approach. Students analyze these topics using diverse theoretical frameworks, with a focus on gender as a central concept. This minor helps students understand how social forces shape individual experiences and societal structures.

The program develops critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students for advocacy, social services, policy, media, healthcare, and education careers. With an emphasis on social justice and intersectionality, it empowers students to engage with pressing social issues and advocate for marginalized communities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Who is this program for?

FHSU’s Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies complements various academic majors and career paths. Students interested in social justice, equity, and cultural analysis will benefit from the interdisciplinary and applied focus of the program.

The program primarily benefits those planning careers in public health, human services, education, and leadership roles where communication, empathy, and critical thinking are essential:

Sociology and psychology majors
Nursing and healthcare students
Education and special education students
Criminal justice or counseling students
Those interested in feminist theory, LGBTQ+ advocacy, or social equity

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies equip students with both insight and practical knowledge. Our program enables students to explore the intersections of gender and sexuality with other social identifiers such as race, class, and nationality, fostering a deeper understanding of complex social dynamics.

Intersectional Gender Analysis

Students will examine how gender, race, sexuality, class, ability, and other identities intersect to shape individual experiences and societal structures. Instructors place emphasis on understanding systemic inequalities and how power dynamics operate across different cultural and institutional settings.

Engagement with Feminist Theory

A strong foundation in feminist theory enables students to explore how to produce knowledge, who controls that knowledge, and how to use it to support or challenge systems of power. Theoretical approaches apply to historical and contemporary issues, allowing students to see the relevance of academic theory to real-world activism.

Ethical Research and Inquiry

Students will develop ethical research practices through engagement with qualitative methodologies in courses like SOC 615. They learn how to design research proposals, conduct interviews or fieldwork, and navigate IRB requirements, all while ensuring that the research respects the dignity and rights of participants.

Sociocultural Construction of Sexuality

Students will critique and deconstruct the social construction of sexuality, recognizing how cultural ideologies and institutional practices affect personal identity and public perception. Through coursework, students understand how sexuality intersects with law, media, education, and health systems.

Real-World Applications

The Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies equips students with valuable skills that are directly applicable to careers in counseling, education, human resources, healthcare, and public administration. Through theoretical analysis and applied research, students become adept at understanding how gender and sexuality shape relationships, organizations, and societal structures.

Our curriculum fosters the development of communication, empathy, and critical thinking — essential skills for navigating complex professional environments. Graduates often find their training useful when working with diverse populations, designing inclusive policies, or addressing disparities in healthcare, education, or social services.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Faculty engage actively with cutting-edge research, continually integrating new theories, global perspectives, and contemporary issues into the curriculum. As gender and sexuality evolve as fields of study, students benefit from timely, relevant content in every course, from Feminist Theory to Sociology of Sexualities and Gender Research Methods.

Elective courses provide even more opportunities to explore new frontiers. Students can engage in meaningful discourse and contribute thoughtfully to their chosen careers or communities by participating in a program that evolves alongside cultural and academic trends.

Hands-on Activities

Students pursuing a Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies engage in experiential learning that equips them to tackle real-life challenges. Through hands-on assignments, such as proposal writing, ethical evaluations, and the design of comprehensive research projects, students gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of gender research methodologies.

Beyond the classroom, participation in undergraduate research conferences and faculty-supported projects provides students with opportunities to share their findings with broader audiences. These experiences strengthen academic resumes and build confidence in public speaking, analysis, and real-world problem-solving. Students are encouraged to connect coursework with community engagement, activism, and social change, further enhancing their learning experience.

What You’ll Learn:

Analyze social constructs of gender
Apply feminist theory in discussion
Understand the intersectionality of identities
Examine systems of oppression
Evaluate roles of gender in history

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive online or on-campus classes
Research-based and discussion-driven courses
Faculty-led student research projects
Theory connected to real-life issues
Multidisciplinary course selection

Courses

The core curriculum of the Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies consists of foundational sociology courses that provide students with a solid grounding in analyzing gender and sexuality from a sociological perspective. These courses cover essential topics such as the social construction of gender, feminist theory, the sociology of sexualities, and social inequality.

In addition, students can choose from a diverse list of electives across multiple disciplines, including communication, psychology, literature, criminal justice, leadership studies, and history. This flexibility allows students to tailor the minor to align with their personal interests and career goals, ensuring the program is academically rigorous and personally meaningful. Below are a few of the courses in the Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies:

SOC 310: Gender and Society

This course explores key issues in the study of women and gender, including class, race, sexuality, family life, work, and political power. Students will examine the historical factors shaping the status of women worldwide and explore the strategies women have used to pursue equality and empowerment. Various academic methods of inquiry will be used to analyze these topics.

SOC 472: Social Inequality

This course offers a theoretical and empirical analysis of social inequality, focusing on how power, privilege, and prestige shape societal structures.

SOC 615: Gender Research and Methods

This course explores research methods in sociology for studying gender. Through readings, empirical studies, and research projects, students will examine gender as a social construct and the tools used to investigate it while engaging with different approaches to studying gender in society.

Discover the full Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies at FHSU substantially enhances knowledge and skills for many career paths, opening doors to professions that prioritize empathy, critical thinking, and inclusive leadership. Graduates are prepared for dynamic, people-centered careers that demand a deep understanding of identity, culture, and inequality. By mastering theoretical concepts and applied research, students are equipped to tackle complex social issues in various settings, making them valuable assets in fields that require a commitment to social justice and equity.

Social Worker

Graduates often apply their knowledge of gender and identity to social work roles, assessing client needs, advocating for social justice, and designing community-based interventions. Their ability to recognize systemic inequalities strengthens their impact in clinical, school, and community settings.

Human Resources Specialist

Understanding gender and diversity issues gives students an edge in human resources, where they contribute to inclusive hiring, equitable workplace policies, and diversity training. They help foster environments where all employees can thrive regardless of identity.

Public Health Educator

A background in gender and sexuality enhances the ability to create educational materials and health initiatives that address community-specific needs. Graduates often work in outreach, prevention, or advocacy roles within governmental and nonprofit organizations.

Policy Analyst

Students analyze how policies affect different population groups in public administration or legislative work roles. Their intersectional lens allows them to write more equitable policies and evaluate legislation with attention to marginalized communities.

Academic Advisor or College Instructor

Graduates pursuing further education can enter academia as instructors or advisors who support diverse student populations. Their training in feminist theory and cultural studies enhances their teaching methods and their capacity to mentor others.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several related programs that pair well with the Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies. These options allow students to deepen their expertise in complementary areas while building interdisciplinary knowledge and professional versatility:

FAQ

Can I take this minor fully online?

Yes, the Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies is available online and on-campus, providing maximum flexibility.

Will the Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies enhance my public service or healthcare career?

Absolutely. Communication, inclusion, and critical analysis skills apply directly to healthcare, public administration, and social services roles.

Are there any prerequisites or requirements beyond general admission?

No separate application is necessary. Once admitted to FHSU, students can declare a Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies through their advisor.

Can this minor help me understand current events or social issues better?

Yes, courses focus on applying theory to real-world situations, including politics, media, health, and social movement

How does the Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies fit with my major?

Advisors help tailor elective options so that your minor supports your major and career goals. It complements a wide range of disciplines.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Gender Studies

Certificate
Minor

Online

Gender Studies